2009 3.0 AC blowing hot air

[E70x5]

I've search and read many threads for failed FSR, but I'm not sure if that's the root of my problem. My x5 has been sitting in garage for the last 6 months on a battery tender. I went to take it for a spin yesterday (88 degrees). I turned the AC on and it blows but I don't hear or feel the compressor kicking in. Does anyone know where the fuse would be for the compressor ? I want to check what I can on my end b4 taking it to the dealership as it is out of warranty. Can the freon evaporate from the car sitting too long ? Thnx for an input ! !

[ChuckG]

The compressor will not kick in if the freon is low. I doubt that a fuse is your problem.

[X5Cat]

Originally Posted by E70x5

Can the freon evaporate from the car sitting too long ?

Yes, if there is a leak, it can evaporate. I agree it's probably not fuse, but it's a smart place to start checking. Attached page from owner's manual shows fuse locations. You'll have to figure out which one. Maybe it's labeled on the fuse door.

[ard]

Please do not go to the dealer.

A decent AC shop can do a diagnosis...if it is Freon they can do a leak test; if nothing is blatantly wrong, they can add a dye along with new Freon- then if in the future it leaks out, they will be able to see the dye residual.

[ralphy4321]

Originally Posted by ard

Please do not go to the dealer.

A decent AC shop can do a diagnosis...if it is Freon they can do a leak test; if nothing is blatantly wrong, they can add a dye along with new Freon- then if in the future it leaks out, they will be able to see the dye residual.

HI, do you happen to know how much a AC shop will charge for this. BMW is trying to charge me $2800 for the leak

[giaka]

Originally Posted by ralphy4321

HI, do you happen to know how much a AC shop will charge for this. BMW is trying to charge me $2800 for the leak

Adding refrigerant to the X5 has to be the easiest thing I have even done to a car. Not even kidding. Buy a can with the builtin gauge, start your car and put the AC on max. Connect the can to the low pressure side (it will only fit the low pressure side) which is very very accessible BTW. Read the gauge (will probably be below 25 psi) and squeeze the trigger while rocking the can in your hand. Let off the trigger read the gauge, repeat until you hit 30-ish psi. It will take you all of 5 minutes to do. You can probably buy cans with dye in it if that is a concern.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHg2xRMnM38

[ralphy4321]

Originally Posted by giaka

Adding refrigerant to the X5 has to be the easiest thing I have even done to a car. Not even kidding. Buy a can with the builtin gauge, start your car and put the AC on max. Connect the can to the low pressure side (it will only fit the low pressure side) which is very very accessible BTW. Read the gauge (will probably be below 25 psi) and squeeze the trigger while rocking the can in your hand. Let off the trigger read the gauge, repeat until you hit 30-ish psi. It will take you all of 5 minutes to do. You can probably buy cans with dye in it if that is a concern.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHg2xRMnM38

This is good. Thanks

[giaka]

Originally Posted by ralphy4321

This is good. Thanks

Not sure on the V8 but the low pressure port is right here (green circle) on the 3.0.

[Aquamania]

Originally Posted by giaka

Adding refrigerant to the X5 has to be the easiest thing I have even done to a car. Not even kidding. Buy a can with the builtin gauge, start your car and put the AC on max. Connect the can to the low pressure side (it will only fit the low pressure side) which is very very accessible BTW. Read the gauge (will probably be below 25 psi) and squeeze the trigger while rocking the can in your hand. Let off the trigger read the gauge, repeat until you hit 30-ish psi. It will take you all of 5 minutes to do. You can probably buy cans with dye in it if that is a concern.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHg2xRMnM38

Excellent advice!!!

[ard]

Originally Posted by ralphy4321

HI, do you happen to know how much a AC shop will charge for this. BMW is trying to charge me $2800 for the leak

This seems...confused.

I am describing a process for topping off freon, NOT 'fixing a diagnosed leak'. I just had it done on my other BMW, was $95 for labor and $48 for freon. Needed about 10 oz, last time it was serviced was 2009. (Same shop, sticker under the hood.)


If BMW is charging 2800 to fix a LEAK, then that is fixing a leak- not topping off freon.

How did this leak get diagnosed? What is leaking??