SOLVED - AC died

[ltemup4650]

Hello all. 2011 LCI X5 here.

AC has been working fine. Blowing very cold. I went into Lowe's to get some items. After 30 minutes, I came out, started the X5, and it was not blowing cold. AC compressor clutch was not turning. I don't see any signs of a massive dump of refrigerant. I went to try and find the AC clutch fuse, and for the life of me, can't find one assigned to it. Does anyone know which fuse is for the AC compressor clutch? Also, would a bad final stage resistor (the HVAC fan speed resistor block) stop the AC clutch from spinning? I wouldn't think so, but, if the computer doesn't think the HVAC fan is spinning, it might not turn the compressor on. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Zulu95]

Find an AC shop and let them give you an estimate.

[ltemup4650]

Discovered the issue. I let it sit awhile and fired it up. It worked. I let it get hot again (drove around), shut it off, immediately started it back up, and the compressor didn't engage. While it was running (hot) I put a gallon of water on the compressor and it kicked on. This means the coil is weak and doesn't draw the clutch in when hot.

[ltemup4650]

This is on its way to me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-2015-B...ty!85395!US!-1

[SF2000x5]

keep us updated!

[ltemup4650]

Will do! I'll be replacing it next week. Part should arrive 7/7/20.

Originally Posted by SF2000x5

keep us updated!

[ltemup4650]

SOLVED.

Happy to report my problem is solved. The new coil and clutch were installed today (7/6/2020) and it works again. After getting it hot, I shut the AC off and then back on several times. It works as commanded.

2011 X5 35i. I have the 7SBU17C compressor. You can find out which compressor you have by looking at the sticker on the compressor just above the bottom bolt. I had to use an inspection mirror and read it backward to confirm. You can replace this without discharging the system and pulling the AC lines off the compressor. I'm mechanically inclined and did this so fast I didn't take pictures. Sorry. Here is the best written procedure I can give you:

1) For only $50, buy a new coil, clutch, and pulley here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-2015-B...72.m2749.l2649

2) REMOVE THE UPPER CHARGE/INTAKE PIPE
-Unclip the vacuum hose
-Disconnect the MAF wire
-Loosen hose clamp on accordion intake hose
-With AC pick or similar, pull the large metal clip up on the end by the throttle body.
-Pull/push accordion hose off lower charge pipe, pull the pipe out of the holder by the AC compressor, pull it off of the intake. Pull the whole thing all the way out and set it aside.

3) REMOVE THE FRONT BRACE (transverse reinforcement)
-Pull the coolant overflow line off of the coolant reservoir (you don't necessarily have to do this to remove the brace, but it will make it easier and it will need to be out of the way later to remove the AC compressor).
-Unclip Bowden cable for engine compartment lid actuator from transverse reinforcement (the hood release cable).
-Detach A/C line from bracket.
-Release 13mm bolts on left and right sides and remove transverse reinforcement.

4) REMOVE THE FAN
-Unclip the wire harness (passenger side)
-Under the car, remove the front plastic belly pan
-Like the upper charge pipe on the throttle body, with and AC pick or similar, pull the large metal clip out of the lower pressure pipe. Push the pipe up and out of its seat.
-Working up top, snake the lower pressure pipe up and out of the car by turing it as needed as you pull it up (you don't have to totally remove it to just pull the fan, but you'll need it out of the way to remove the AC compressor).
-Press the lock on the passenger (left and drive) and pull the fan up just slightly.
-While holding the fan up slightly on that side, press the lock on the driver side and pull up slightly.
-Fold the tab in on the driver side.
-Pull fan up and out
NOTE: you'll fight the lower radiator hose and AC lines a little

5) REMOVE THE DRIVE BELT
-With a T60 torx, remove the belt

6) REMOVE STUFF ON THE AC COMPRESSOR
-Remove 8mm bolt on the back of the compressor that fastens the bracket to the compressor.
-Disconnect the wire
-Remove 13mm bolt holding the upper charge/intake pipe bracket.groumet. Lay the bracket/harness to the back.

7) REMOVE AC COMPRESSOR
-There are three (3) 13mm bolts holding the compressor to the engine. I recommend you remove the bottom one first (you'll have to feel for it), then the back one, then the front top one.
-Pull the AC compressor up and set it on the upper part of the radiator/fender. I used a towel to set it on.

8) REMOVE AND REPLACE THE CLUTCH, PULLEY, AND COIL
-With and impact, zip the 10mm clutch bolt out. Pull the clutch off by hand. There should be a spacer inside the clutch. Don't worry if you lose it...new ones come with the kit.
-Pull the C-clip off that holds the pulley on.
-Screw the clutch bolt back in 75% of the way or so.
-Using a puller (I used a 3 jaw), pull the pulley off (pressing against the clutch screw you just put in 75% or so).
-Unplug the coil.
-Pull the C-clip off of the coil.
-Remove the screw that holds the coil harness at the front of the compressor (the ground of the coil should be going to this).
-Remove the coil.
-Install new coil (ensure tab near the bottom is lined up) and install its C-clip with the beveled edge toward you.
-Install the ground wire on the screw and screw the front bracket back down.
-Push the new coil's connector into the bracket and plug the coil in.
-Lightly oil the bearing journal and hand press the new pulley on. After it is started, smack it with a rubber hammer until it is seated.
-Install the pulley C-clip with the beveled edge toward you.
-The kit comes with 2 spacers. Put both in the clutch with the bolt.
-Lightly (as to not disturb the spacers/washers), fit the clutch on.
-With an impact, zip the 10mm bolt on (new bolt comes with the kit).

9) RE-INSTALL EVERYTHING
-I hate to say it, but the install is the reverse of removal. Lower the AC compressor back in place and bolt it in. Install the upper charge pipe bracket. Re-clip the wire harness and install it on the back of the compressor. Put the belt back on. Put the lower pressure pipe back in. Install the fan. Install the upper intake pipe. Install the front brace (transverse support). Re-connect the AC lines and hood release cable to the brace. Re-connect the coolant overflow hose to the coolant reservoir.

Done.

The is a picture of the old components.

[ard]

very nice. thanks for posting this.



Assume at a BMW dealer you are buying the whole AC compressor PLUS needing to evac and recharge... $1500?


Well done.

[blue dragon]

Love it when people close the loop.