Ac acting funny any thoughts

[dane]

Hi all,

well my ac started acting funny on the X5 2004 3.0. When the temp outside got higher than around 80 or so it would just blow hot air and no cooling, at times it would cool but after 10 or so minute or more.
Anyways its been at the dealorship for the past 10 days and they still are trying to figure it out. The last was they sent out some info to BMW germany and waiting on it.

any ideas thoughts??

[Wagner]

Did they pressure test the system?

[dane]

not exactly sure what that is, but assuming being the dealorship they must have done basics. they said they had first replaced the aux fan, than they checked the freon and it had to be precise, then they dyed it to check leaks.
than a few other things which went above my understanding.
I know this must not be common but would it be so difficult for dealorship to troubleshoot??

[Wagner]

I'll assume then that the dye test was checking to make sure the system was operating at normal pressure levels.

(sure you did this but make sure the red/blue wheel in the center of the dash is on blue and not red)

Here is something I read, not really your issue but may give the dealer some ideas:
Art, The condenser fan is the same as Auxiliary fan, just different terminology. I didn't understand the ambient temp statement. What is the ambient temp? I don't know where you live or what news you watch. I am also a little baffled by low pipe/high pipe references. The suction line from the evaporator to the compressor should have condensation (sweating) on it and be cold to the touch. The discharge line from the compressor to the condenser should be very hot to the touch (be careful). The liquid line from the condenser to the Expansion valve/evaporator should be warm to the touch. Your Reciever/Dryer is a canister insert on the side of you condenser (easy to replace).Remember that the X5 only takes one pound of R-134A, it is an undersized system for a big cabin area. Remember that Auxiliary fan must run when the A/C is on. Your pressures look to me like the system is overcharged but I don't know your ambient temp or relative humidity when you are taking your pressure readings. Please provide these figures. I don't believe that your module is at fault because the mechanical A/C system doesn't have the proper characteristics of a normal system. The Blend door is the mechanical wheel between the center vents. It is good that you checked this operation. The stepper motors control various distribution doors for the Climate control system and there are many. Not your area of consern at the moment. Please verify that the system has the correct amount of R-134A by evacuating and recharging the system to 1.00Lbs. Place system under vacuum for 1/2 hour and stop vacuum and make sure the system holds the vacuum. The X5 system is very sensitive to over/under charging because the capacity is so small. I would remove and replace the Drier cartridge on the condenser and inspect for metal shavings from the compressor while you have the system evacuated. If you want to replace the Expansion Valve go ahead. When did the trouble with you A/C begin? Let me know what you find and tell me left, center, and right vent temp with system running at 1500rpm after 3 minutes.

[Quicksilver]

Dye test is for leaks in the system.

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

I'll assume then that the dye test was checking to make sure the system was operating at normal pressure levels.

[dane]

Well, the dealor got reply from bmw it seems. The last I know they asked to replace some valves and pressure stuff underneath the dash. Was told it is a big job and will take a day or 2 . Hope this fixes the issue.

[dane]

well, a/c got finally fixed a week back, the weather complied it seems as they were able to check and seems was one of the hose that leaked, work great now. nice to get the car back.

[rogerkiu]

I believe tht it is the water valve not functioning.

[ljnlaw]

This may be coming out of left field but I always try the obvious first...did you make sure the blue/red dial control on the center vent was turned all the way to blue the coldest setting? I burned my AC for the first time a few weeks ago and was getting only warm air at the coldest setting of 60 degrees, then I looked and the hot/cold dial on the center vent was on the warmest setting (I felt like such an idiot), but it made sense because all winter I had the vents on the warmest setting.

[Zulu95]

The last I know they asked to replace some valves....
Schrader valves in the AC service ports. Common leak problem.