03 A/C failure

EOD Guy · #1 03-30-2008, 06:27 PM

I have read numerous threads in my search for information....... My Compressor will not engage, fan seems to be ok, heat is ok, fuses are ok. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to try 1st. FSR is normaly for fan related problems? I've ordered one that I can return if it's not the problem. Thanks in advance.

vinuneuro · #2 03-30-2008, 06:59 PM

FSR is related to the blower fan. I doubt it will help your situation.

Are you sure the compressor isn't engaging, or is it just not effective?

swissfrank · #3 03-30-2008, 07:09 PM

Sounds like your AC system is low on refrigerant (r134a). Have the charge checked, then refill/check for leaks.

01 BMW_X5 · #4 03-30-2008, 07:52 PM

Have you checked if the belt is there?

Tomaz · #5 03-30-2008, 08:05 PM

There is a sensor that will not allow the compressor to engage if you are low on refrigerent.

vinuneuro · #6 03-30-2008, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomaz

There is a sensor that will not allow the compressor to engage if you are low on refrigerent.

Wow, didn't that feature. Sounds like low-refrigerent could very well be the culprit. And it's not an unlikely scenario either.

01 BMW_X5 · #7 03-30-2008, 08:16 PM

There is also the ambient temperature sensor. But that sensor can be easily checked. Google

EOD Guy · #8 03-31-2008, 05:48 AM

Does, anybody know how to bypass the low refrigerant sensor to get the clutch to engage, so that refrigerant can be added?

Tomaz · #9 03-31-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EOD Guy

Does, anybody know how to bypass the low refrigerant sensor to get the clutch to engage, so that refrigerant can be added?

I agree with Vinuneuro, your're probably better off to get the AC professionally serviced. The switch is called the pressure switch which is on the metal tube coming off of the evaporator coil. It can be seen physically and in schematic on the WDS diagrams at the top of this page. If you are low on refrigerent, once you begin to charge the system the pressure switch should allow the compressor to engage.

Zulu95 · #10 03-31-2008, 06:23 AM

Before you try that I would have the service port (Low & High pressure) checked for leaks. Then you would be better having the system evacuated and refilled. The whole thing costs about $150 at any good AC shop. I would go to the $tealer and buy the new port seals and then go to a shop.
I had this problem last Spring.