AC Wierdness

[diogenes!]

I may have the Final Stage Resistor problem, but one other symptom I've noticed doesn't seem to fit that issue. Air coming out the dash vents is noticably warmer from driver's side to passenger side. You can tell it's several degrees warmer just between the center two vents alone. I've ordered a replacement Final Stage Resistor, but wondering if there's anything else that I should check.

Thanks,
Patrick

[Rob_]

Sounds like the a/c system is low on freon. Possibly a leak in the evaporator. (Common problem).

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by Rob_

Sounds like the a/c system is low on freon.

Bingo! Give the man a cigar! Long story short - $160 to Hank Aaron when an $8 can of R134a from Autozone would have done the trick...

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by diogenes!

Bingo! Give the man a cigar! Long story short - $160 to Hank Aaron when an $8 can of R134a from Autozone would have done the trick...

I had the same issue caused by a leaky valve. The passenger side was noticeably warmer than the driver's. My dealer fixed it and charged it all up for the low, low price of $0.

[diogenes!]

Nice - but we're 'bout 5K miles out of warranty... At least they injected some UV tracer dye, so if it happens again, I can look for the leak.

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

I had the same issue caused by a leaky valve. The passenger side was noticeably warmer than the driver's. My dealer fixed it and charged it all up for the low, low price of $0.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by diogenes!

Nice - but we're 'bout 5K miles out of warranty... At least they injected some UV tracer dye, so if it happens again, I can look for the leak.

That's crappy timing. I'm sure I will have a final stage resistor and R134 recharge on my DIY list, along with a window regulator or two.

Did you pinpoint exactly where the leak was and is it something you could have repaired yourself?

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

Did you pinpoint exactly where the leak was and is it something you could have repaired yourself?

Nope - that's why I'm glad they put the dye in. I'm gonna' pick up a UV LED light and should be able to find a leak if the problem recurrs.

Keep-it-cool.com has this one for $10.

[Rob_]

Originally Posted by diogenes!

Nice - but we're 'bout 5K miles out of warranty... At least they injected some UV tracer dye, so if it happens again, I can look for the leak.

There is not much to the system outside the vehicle so if they didnt find a leak, its most probably the evaporator or expanstion valve. Dash and a/c / heater box has to be removed. There is a TSB stating that is the most probable cause (evap).

[JV]

Originally Posted by diogenes!

Bingo! Give the man a cigar! Long story short - $160 to Hank Aaron when an $8 can of R134a from Autozone would have done the trick...

Diogenes, were you looking for an honest man at a BMW dealership? I hope you get that one.

JV

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by JVZ104

Diogenes, were you looking for an honest man at a BMW dealership? I hope you get that one.

JV

Yep - got it!