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  #1  
Old 06-29-2020, 03:14 PM
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Intermittent AC - out of ideas

Was sure I was going to be able to resolve this, but

Bought 2005 E53 3.0 used (144k mi) in March with known bad aux fan (would not command on with Schwabben/510 tool). Replaced the aux fan while I went through & changed fluids, plugs, filters, (complete cooling system refresh), etc.
- New fan will activate for 30 sec & shut off per tool command.
- Compressor will also activate for 30 sec & shut off per tool command.
- Had AC system vacuum tested & checked for proper capacity (i.e. no leaks)
- AC will not kick on or run cold while idling
- AC will sometimes run cold after driving a bit, then on & off
- Still getting code for DME: Activation electric fan (but can activate via tool)

Along the way, scoured many forum posts, YouTube clips etc. & replaced the following:
- Aux fan sensor switch (when I put the new fan in)
- HVAC control panel from Ebay (12 pin)
- evap temp sensor (original was corroded)
- blower motor resistor (while I was there)
- Have checked & swapped all fuses, including 60A on backside of glovebox fuse panel
- Have cleaned & reseated plugs on AC hi/low pressure switches

Never got ISTA to connect in spite of three load/configure attempts, so don't have much in the way of diagnostic data. This is particularly frustrating as I design/test/troubleshoot software for a living. Stopped short of buying another OBD2-USB cable & starting over.

I'm hesitant to hit a generic auto shop, as most don't seem to know these BMW systems well. Haven't found a great local shop & do almost all my own work. Was thinking of going to Kassel Performance in York, PA (great experience with my X35D tune, etc.) but they said they aren't AC experts.

I'm in Southern MD in the NCC & X chapters of BMW CCA
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'10 X5 35D - Performance mods & Kassel tune // '04 Mini R53 - lots of mods, rebuilt // '03 Mini R53 - sold
'05 X5 3.0i - Recently acquired for wife & daughter
'03 X5 3.0i - lots of upgrades, passed to son // '98 540i - other son's
'94 E36 318ic - son's wrecked // '96 E36 328ic - son's sold
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  #2  
Old 06-29-2020, 04:00 PM
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That sounds a lot like a problem with the variable displacement compressor. Maybe do some more investigation with that in mind and see what comes up. When you say will not "kick in" are you saying the compressor clutch will not engage at all when idling??
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Old 06-29-2020, 05:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 80stech View Post
When you say will not "kick in" are you saying the compressor clutch will not engage at all when idling??
Yes, that's what I mean. It will engage when commanded to activate with the tool, so thought that would have ruled out clutch/compressor. Understand nothing is really ruled out until it's working, but...

Honestly, short of a functioning ISTA, don't know what/how to investigate further.
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~~~~~~~~~
'10 X5 35D - Performance mods & Kassel tune // '04 Mini R53 - lots of mods, rebuilt // '03 Mini R53 - sold
'05 X5 3.0i - Recently acquired for wife & daughter
'03 X5 3.0i - lots of upgrades, passed to son // '98 540i - other son's
'94 E36 318ic - son's wrecked // '96 E36 328ic - son's sold
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Old 06-29-2020, 06:15 PM
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Best way to determine the problem is to connect a set of gauges to the system. From that you can tell us what is the high side pressure, low side pressure and the ambient temperature these readings were taken. Anything else is just a guess. A good AC shop should be able to perform this if you don't have the gauges or lack the knowledge. You can command the th compressor to engage. If the pressures are not according to the pressure chart for the ambient temp that you have you found the problem. With a variable compressor even if the clutch is engaged it may not be pumping the refrigerant as intended.
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Old 06-29-2020, 06:15 PM
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OK, I see you are still getting an aux fan code, that might be your best clue to follow. If you can get your codes and activate stuff with your hand-held tool then that should be good enough to diagnose although it still would be good for you to get ista or even better DIS up and running. Does the aux fan come on when you pull the connector on the fan sensor located on the lower rad hose?
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  #6  
Old 06-29-2020, 06:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 80stech View Post
Does the aux fan come on when you pull the connector on the fan sensor located on the lower rad hose?
Yes, it comes on then also
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~~~~~~~~~
'10 X5 35D - Performance mods & Kassel tune // '04 Mini R53 - lots of mods, rebuilt // '03 Mini R53 - sold
'05 X5 3.0i - Recently acquired for wife & daughter
'03 X5 3.0i - lots of upgrades, passed to son // '98 540i - other son's
'94 E36 318ic - son's wrecked // '96 E36 328ic - son's sold
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  #7  
Old 06-29-2020, 06:35 PM
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So you had the system evacuated and re-charged at a shop ?
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  #8  
Old 06-29-2020, 06:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 80stech View Post
So you had the system evacuated and re-charged at a shop ?
Yes, had been slightly overcharged, but no leaks & currently has correct charge.
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Chris

~~~~~~~~~
'10 X5 35D - Performance mods & Kassel tune // '04 Mini R53 - lots of mods, rebuilt // '03 Mini R53 - sold
'05 X5 3.0i - Recently acquired for wife & daughter
'03 X5 3.0i - lots of upgrades, passed to son // '98 540i - other son's
'94 E36 318ic - son's wrecked // '96 E36 328ic - son's sold
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  #9  
Old 06-29-2020, 07:17 PM
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I would double check that the compressor clutch is really not cutting in and then go down the path to find what is causing the aux fan code. Maybe check all fuses. Sometimes if the clutch is worn or the coil isn't getting quite enough power you can CAREFULLY nudge the front clutch plate with a hammer handle to get it to snap in.
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  #10  
Old 06-29-2020, 07:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 80stech View Post
I would double check that the compressor clutch is really not cutting in and then go down the path to find what is causing the aux fan code. Maybe check all fuses. Sometimes if the clutch is worn or the coil isn't getting quite enough power you can CAREFULLY nudge the front clutch plate with a hammer handle to get it to snap in.
When my compressor clutch went, it left a compressor clutch fault. I am also thinking it has something to do with the variable displacement compressor.
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