Set To Recharge AC, Help With Facts

[Rondo]

You could also look on ebay for diagnostic software [ inpa etc.]with a usb interface and learn how to activate and or test any component in your car using your laptop
cheers Rondo

[rph74]

Originally Posted by razorboy

OK, updates on my AC repair.

Took the truck to my friend and he pulled down 25hg of vacuum and the system held it no problem so I guess the schraders are fine.

However, he noticed right away that the system was not doing anything. He dumped some R134a into the truck under vacuum but still nothing.

I guess I have a classic X5 problem going on now.
The auxiliary fan does not switch on at all. From what I have read there is some debate over this. Some say their AC systems work without the aux fan while others say the DME will not run the AC system if it does not detect the fan running.

I would like to test the aux fan to see if that truly is the problem but have not read a post yet that details how to bypass the DME and run the fan.

Have also read that 12v supplied to the lead of the AC compressor should allow me to hear the clutch engage and disengage. I guess I can start there but want to verify that it is ok to do that. Would not want to do anything that would risk damaging the computer.

Anyone have a method for testing the aux fan?

Cheers
Bernie

FWIW on my 2001, when my Auxiliary Fan died, the A/C still worked. The only problem was that the A/C did not work well at a stop. But the compressor definitely came on, and I had cold air when driving on the highway. As far as testing, sorry, I'm no help.

Chris

[razorboy]

Hey Guys,

Updates today on my AC problem - Turns out it is the Aux Fan.

I took the truck to a shop this morning on a recommendation and they did a great job. For those in the Vegas area, they are called Top Car Service, 980 N. Nellis.

First thing they did was evac and reload the R134a to stock. The AC did not kick in. Then they hooked up the computer to the truck and was able to turn the compressor on and off no problem. The aux fan would not engage no matter what was done so now I know. Total charge for about 45 minutes of working / joking around = 0 dollars. They even knew I was going to replace the fan myself and offered to doublecheck the system once the new fan was installed. How is that for "not-even-a-customer-yet" service?

So as far as replacing this aux fan, there are many options on ebay for various quality and price fans. Looks like a lot of them are probably made in China so I don't place too much trust in those. Can anyone who has a successful swap of this fan let me know what brand you settled on? Definitely will not be paying through the nose for a BMW replacement.

Cheers
Bernie

[razorboy]

Originally Posted by Rondo

You could also look on ebay for diagnostic software [ inpa etc.]with a usb interface and learn how to activate and or test any component in your car using your laptop
cheers Rondo

Hey Rondo,
There are a lot of choices on ebay for software.
Do you already own a setup or do you have any recommendations?
Not sure if all the software and adapters are the same?

Bernie

[razorboy]

My AC is all fixed now and putting out 45 degrees at the vents!

I bought a budget new aux fan on eBay for 150.00 and it went in no problem after following some directions found here on the forum.

Total cost into this project was about 200.00 and I have ice cold air!

Thanx to those that helped me figure this out.

Bernie

[Torquewrench]

On realoem.com the aux fan can be found under "Heater and Air Conditioning/Condenser Air Conditioning" and the part is called "Compression shroud with fan" and is part number: 64546921381. Link is here: RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0i Pusher fan