Auxiliary fan operation - A/C cooling.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

My source was Siri. She didn't say her source unfortunately. I selected probe on my phone and picked lockup.

Oddly once you tap on a definition the phone doesn't show the source but when I re-did the look up I noticed it does show "new American Oxford" on the main results page before i pick a result.

That said, when I searched online the first three dictionary results I looked at incl Webster, the free dictionary and Cambridge all include the well known meaning of the word.

Probe means sensor sensor means probe. The subtle difference semantically is that a probe implies it's poking into somewhere to sense something inisde vs. more generic sensor (arguably less accurate) makes no implication and could easily be meausuring the outside of something.

Clearly the sensors in question (engine coolant, radiator outlet, inisde air) are all probe versions of sensors (small electrode that pokes into somewhere to measure something inside).

I find it a perfectly acceptable use of the word being more precise than the product name "sensor" and is not confusing at all.

So when you go to a part store or order on-line do you order a "Temperature Probe" or Temperature Sensor"? Exactly, case close.

[upallnight]

Oh, Look Realoem part website list electrical sensors as "SENSORS" not Probe.

[andrewwynn]

I said "in English" not "in OEM speak"

*I* would ask for a temp sensor when buying a part but I would also reasonably expect any parts counter to fully understand if I asked for the lower radiator temp probe they would definitely understand from context the part I was asking for. (As long as the clerk's primary language is English)

Not sure exactly what "case" was closed. Pointing out that BMW refers to a temperature probe as a sensor doesn't change the meaning in English so my and OP use of the word is complete valid.

BMW also calls the control arm the wishbone yet nobody not even the auto parts store refers to it as such.

Do *you* ask for a wishbone when you want the rearward front control arm? Didn't think so = your argument is moot. (you will cause more confusion than temperature probe for sure.






Fwiw one of us here is "trying to win" the other is still helping others learn valuable things like some parts on cars have multiple words to describe them so it's good to know any of those words.

Wishbone is what BMW calls certain Control arms, but in English we call it control arm. BMW calls probes sensors (most of the time).

Proving my point from real oem;
.


The pre cat O2 is called "probe" the post cat O2 is called "sensor".

I've never seen o2 referred to as probe until now, and suspect that only happened in a German to English translation since 3 of 4 O2 are called sensor on my car's realoem page, but definitely solidifies the argument the terms are mostly interchangeable.

Anyhow regardless of the wild tangent, things have been learned which is the main point of xo so "mission accomplished".

Back out of the tangent, the problem the OP is having is that the AC doesn't blow until after the engine is warm from my understanding. We are waiting for the next feedback if it will blow immediately if the engine is warm.

There should be a flowchart to determine what will cause this set of symptoms and it "feels like" whatever subroutine keeps the fan off when requesting heat is keeping the fan off when requesting cold.

That does feel like one of the many sensors could be at fault so getting realtime values of each of the temp probes/sensors would be a good start.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I said "in English" not "in OEM speak"

*I* would ask for a temp sensor when buying a part but I would also reasonably expect any parts counter to fully understand if I asked for the lower radiator temp probe they would definitely understand from context the part I was asking for. (As long as the clerk's primary language is English)

Not sure exactly what "case" was closed. Pointing out that BMW refers to a temperature probe as a sensor doesn't change the meaning in English so my and OP use of the word is complete valid.

BMW also calls the control arm the wishbone yet nobody not even the auto parts store refers to it as such.

Do *you* ask for a wishbone when you want the rearward front control arm? Didn't think so = your argument is moot. (you will cause more confusion than temperature probe for sure.






Fwiw one of us here is "trying to win" the other is still helping others learn valuable things like some parts on cars have multiple words to describe them so it's good to know any of those words.

Wishbone is what BMW calls certain Control arms, but in English we call it control arm. BMW calls probes sensors (most of the time).

Proving my point from real oem;
.


The pre cat O2 is called "probe" the post cat O2 is called "sensor".

I've never seen o2 referred to as probe until now, and suspect that only happened in a German to English translation since 3 of 4 O2 are called sensor on my car's realoem page, but definitely solidifies the argument the terms are mostly interchangeable.

Anyhow regardless of the wild tangent, things have been learned which is the main point of xo so "mission accomplished".

Back out of the tangent, the problem the OP is having is that the AC doesn't blow until after the engine is warm from my understanding. We are waiting for the next feedback if it will blow immediately if the engine is warm.

There should be a flowchart to determine what will cause this set of symptoms and it "feels like" whatever subroutine keeps the fan off when requesting heat is keeping the fan off when requesting cold.

That does feel like one of the many sensors could be at fault so getting realtime values of each of the temp probes/sensors would be a good start.

This is a Car forum, not an English writing forum. If you want to receive help on this CAR Forum you should learn the Correct Terminology when discussing the problem and not make up some stupid "Jargon".

It is "Closed" because to defend the indefensible is fruitless. Like you stated you will call it a Temperature Sensor and not a Temperature Probe. Just like everyone on this forum call it a Cam sensor and not a Cam probe, or a Crank Position Sensor and not a Crank position Probe, or a rain sensor on the windshield and not a rain probe. I could go on and on.

[X5chemist]

Oh no! Variable compressor? I don't like those. My other older vehicles all have had A/C work done by me. Within a mile of driving, A/C is blowing 42 degrees. The X5 blows hot air inside as soon as the buttons are pushed. For me, it just takes too long for it start blowing cold air. Well, when it's not moving or just being turned on in hot weather. I'll check fan operation with someone else turning the key. Once it's going, even at the two lowest speeds, it's an ice box. The windows are tinted in ceramic tint which helps a lot. Even the pano roof is tinted. The only code that pops up with a specific BMW scanner is the transfer case. The transfer case needs an adaptation done. The wear gear has been replaced.

Back in Feb, on a warm day, the wifey complained the A/C was not working. I knew it worked because I used it. Plus the previous owner had A/C work done in the last two years. With all the buttons and settings, I decided to actually read the owners manual. Well, I learned about the center vent setting. The dial with red and blue dots. It was on red. Turned it over to blue and the air turned cold.

I guess I better get my A/C gauges out for R134 pressure readings.

[andrewwynn]

The aux fan isn't needed to blow cold AC unless you aren't moving. You def need to get some pressure numbers if the AC blows hot air initially. Need a little more info like does the blower blow right away just hot?

When compressor kicks in cold is nearly immediate. If it's hit and miss that's usually a problem with a variable compressor. Get readings when it is working and when it's not to confirm.

[X5chemist]

Yes, the blower starts to blow cabin/external air as soon as the A/C button is turned on. It seems it takes longer than I think it should to start cooling down. Once it's cold, it stays cold. I'll get readings soon. The X5 is not my daily driver for 2-3 weeks. The wifey is driving while I install timing chains, cam phase adjusters, and fix a timing leak on her Acadia. I get to drive my gas guzzling truck until I'm done. I plan to work fast to get my X5 back.

[andrewwynn]

Low on freon and makes cold usually will get too cold. You definitely need to read numbers off the high/low ports while it's working and when you first turn it on.

When my aux fan wasn't working (but I would force on the AC using scanner), I noticed that the AC output was meager when not moving indicating lack of cooling at the condenser so make sure your reeplaced fan is functional. Not just passing the "exists test" at start.

Does sound like variable compressor woes that regularly hits the forum.

Must be nice to live out of the rusty belt where you can just remove bumper cover without sawing through 1/3 of the bolts holding it on.

[X5chemist]

The fan swap was easy using ramps. The water pump pulley was also replaced. No more plastic. Taking off the mechanical fan was not easy. I had to use an air hammer to get it loose. I found the "blinker fluid" nozzles don't work. The line did have to be capped to keep fluid from spilling. So I assume the pump is bad. The windshield pump was replaced. The rear one works.

[X5chemist]

Ok, the new fan starts up as soon as the A/C is turned on. I'll connect my R134 hoses soon. I have a few cans around to give it a pressure boost if necessary.