Heat/AC unit issue (turns on 10 min. later)

[plaroud]

Hello everyone. New member here but I have been lurking here for a while.

My wifes X5 has a weird issue that no one has ever heard of. Basically the whole HVAC unit (climate control panel and blower) stays off for about 10-15 minutes (you cannot manipulate the control panel at all, its just "off" and no blower (air coming out).

After that period it starts sputtering (the panel and the blower) for about a minute and then turns on and works perfectly fine.

I think now she says it doesnt turn on at all and its just getting colder out there. I am planning to take it either to an Indy shop or the dealer but was hoping someone knew what this was before I take it in.

Thanks in advance guys and gals,
Mike

[ArtMan]

hmm my panel worked fine and blower but i had frist a bad pusher fan, then a bad high pressure port sensor.

at the moment its cold outside around 32-40F so im not using the AC but after i replaced the pusher fan...my ac would not turn on meaning it was blowing but humid hot air till after 5-10 min driving and not idle so i had to be driving then it would blow cold and no even when i stopped at a light it would continue to blow cold. it just needed a 5-10 min start to blow cold. My compressor works fine at least the clutch engages etc.

Im just thinking the only thing left is the expansion valve thats located on the heater core in the dash....yeah you would have to take apart the whole dash to see it. fun job.

[plaroud]

Thanks Artman.

Its not the A/C but the whole unit that is not working (computer and blower).

Now there is another symptom with the radio. It turns off every few minutes by itself. If there is anyone that can help it would be great.

I had a mechanic tell me it is the computer module for the whole HVAC unit. If anyone thinks this is the issue from the description please let me know.

Thanks

[plaroud]

OK, so as I stated before, when it is really cold out (under 40 F) the control units does not turn on for at leaft 15-20 minutes (depending on how cold it is) but will turn on when it is warmer.

I used one of the DIY's and took out the control panel to test it. I placed it in the freezer (yes the freezer lol) and plugged it back in and it didnt work. Took it out, used a hot blow dryer for about 5 minutes on it, plugged it in and it worked right away! wtf!

I am pretty sure I will end up buying a new one (around $700) but does anyone know wtf this can be?

Happy Holidays and thanks in advance for any input.

Mike