2006 X5 A/C Clutch Override?
 

I am having trouble with the A/C in my 2006 X5 3.0i. It is blowing warm air even on MAX A/C. Blows like hell but not cold air.

I have INPA and scanned for codes. None were found.

INPA shows that the compressor is not active (visually as well).

The A/C compressor clutch is not engaging. I tried to force it to operate using INPA but it will not engage it.

Also, AUX fan is not on when A/C is in any setting (normal or MAX). I can not find how to test this in INPA - or force engage with INPA... However, I saw that you can unplug the A/C high pressure switch and it should make the AUX fan kick on. I did this and fan did not turn on...

I checked the low side pressure and it is way high (as you would expect with the clutch not engaging.

How can I force the clutch to engage so that I can get a reading and add R134 if necessary?

I suspect that the low R134 is keeping it from kicking on as INPA shows no other faults.

Thanks for your help!

2006 X5 A/C Clutch Override?
 

I had the identical symptoms. Was my low side pressure switch disconnected.

Inpa should see a dud low pressure sensor but I would start there else if you have high and low pressure gauge attached hot wire the clutch to start it. Recently I charged a suburban that wouldn't let the compressor kick on. Was a bad low switch. A paperclip cheated the switch closed to test charge the system and make sure the compressor was good before replacing the sensor.

A common problem on these is the auxiliary fan in front of the radiator. If it fails and does not come on when the AC is requested, the clutch will not engage. If you pull the connector for the AC system pressure switch (straight down looking on the right side of the engine bay in the front by the radiator) the fan should come on and eventually get to full speed. An easy validation of the auxiliary fan.

- There is a post somewhere in forum showing how to directly wire the AC to activate it. This way you can rule in or rule out the Clutch issue.

- On the same topic, my 1998 528i AC was noisy at 150K, I was afraid of "Black Death", so I replaced it using brand-new Denso compressor ($250 was the cost). So far so good. I posted the DIY in bimmerfest forum.

- What I am getting at is that if you have more than 150K and the AC Clutch turns out to be the culprit, then at that mileage, it is best to replace the compressor. On the long run, it is cheaper.

I am not seeing a low pressure sensor in INPA. I think I am checking everything. I am not getting any fault codes when I check in INPA either...

I wonder why I cant get INPA to override the compressor to make it run... Because if AUX fan is dead it will not allow it???

Thanks. I did this test and indeed the fan DID NOT come on. based on this, I am leaning toward the dead AUX fan....

Recommendations on aftermarket AUX Fan brand? Lots to choose from. Whats good?

Weird that was the connector that was loose on mine and I didn't notice the aux fan spinning before I fixed it but maybe I just missed it.


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My fan doesn't come on in any condition. Plugged in with A/C on or unplugged. I think it's dead.

Just ordered a TYC 611400 on amazon. Hopefully it isn't crap.