Xoutpost.com - a/c Freon pressure specs

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a/c Freon pressure specs

I was reading about a month ago in this forum about a/c problems and ran across a link that had the bmw pressure specs for the x5 mine is a (2001 4.4) I would like to know what the specs are for the freon (high side and low side or link to them )
In my search I have read also that I should use R134-a if I should need to add some and a maximum of 1lb I would like to have comfirmation on these specs also
Thnx in advance:thumbup:

Wish I could tell you what the pressures are for the High and Low side. But I will confirm that you need to use R-134a. I congratulate you on your recognizing that you need some thing to monitor the pressues on the high and low sides before adding anything. That being said, I believe the system holds a total of one pound. If your system is currently running, and cooling some. Dont add one pound. You will over presurize it. Bad news.

It seems from other posts that recharging the system r134 can be a somewhat a DIYer project. Firstly, is this an accurate assumption? Secondly, if so, does anyone have some instructions on doing so. Is there something you can buy to monitor the amount of pressure in the system and to determine how much r134 is needed.

I am a pretty handy guy, but have never attempted something like this myself, and was wondering if I would be getting over my head pretty quickly.

I have already replaced the FSR, as outlined on this site, and would easily be able to follow similar instruction, if costly tools and materials are not needed for this task.

Thanks

you're looking at about 25-32PSI on the low side with the compressor turning and the AC running on MAX.

:thumbup: Thnx everyone for the input . I intend to do this the next couple of days (first chance I get work has been crazy ). I have residental hvac experience and when doing home hvac there is a table that list the other variables like ambient temp etc. That are useful.... I would love to have a copy of that table if it exist...... Are there are any techs out there that might share this with us . But with the info I have recieved this far I feel confident this will rectify my problem... If I am successful in recieving the table I spoke of I will consider doing a diy on this but I would like to insure I have all pertinant information before posting such ..... Thanks again to everyone on the forum you guys are the best :)

Yes, at minimum you will need a descent manifold pressure set. That being said. If you are in need of adding refrigerant. You will also need to seriously consider the real possibility that you have a leak in the system. Properely repairing a leak is much more involved, and requires many more specialized tools, and knowledge on how to do it. It took alot of reading and hands on for me to fully understand the process, so I urge you to do the same before attempting to service your AC system. Merely adding refrigerant without knowing how yours is opperating could lead to complete failure. Just price a new AC compressor. I almost fainted when I did. So, to answer one of your questions, yes it is DIY, but to do it properely is much more methodical than it looks.

Also If you look under your hood for the green tag, I believe the X5's only take 0.98 lbs to begin with, so adding a pound would essentially double the amount in your system... not good. Once you get the gauges hooked up, the low side should be somewhere between 25 - 35 psi, and the high side somewhere between 200 - 300 psi, varies with environmental conditions as you know. Also, for example, if your aux fan stops working, the high side pressure can shoot up to 450 psi with a quickness. Its amazing what effect it has on the head pressure....

If the pressures are off, like the low side is 45 psi or higher, etc. Then there is likely a problem with an ac component and would need repairs. If its low, even just a hair low, then it probably has a leak somewhere. I'd bring it somewhere with an "automatic" ac machine. It essentially is set to recover, vacuum (which removes any moisture from the system) and fill to the proper charge level. No over or under filling with this setup, which is highly recommended with a vehicle so temperamental to its charge level as one that takes just a smidge under a pound... even an experienced indy with his gauges and a can hanging off of them can't properly judge the correct amount on these

Quote:

Originally Posted by weasel56

You bring up some very valid issues and I appreciate that. My first thoughts are (and tell me if I am flawed in my thinking) was to try to the best of my ability to self anaylisis my problem .
1. Put in dye and a small amount of freon
2. Check for leaks and see if cooling occurs
3. If leaks found go from there.... if no leaks are found read pressures and try to get a handle on the issue based on that.

Being as it is such a small quanity of freon needed in the system I too am afraid that I want be able to peg .98 with the equipment I have(Im good................ but I'll admit :wow: Im probally not that good)

4. Therfore after doing this intial troubleshooting I was planning on seeking a shop with hvac vacum recovery capabilities. and have them vacum and refill to .98

Sound like a workable plan? :dunno:

" I dont have a problem taking my x to a shop....... Im just one of those guys that wants to know why Im going before I get there..... I dont like surprises and I dont like paying someone to troubleshoot something if I can do it ."

Corima Thank you also for the warning ! If you have any of that left over reading material or links to it I would love to read it.

Now Im getting curious..........Has any one ever done this successfully themselves ?
Or has everyone who has done this just had a bad result ?
Or has everyone just bit the bullet and chosen to take em to the shop ?

Please Everyone dont take these questions above as a doubting of anyones advice .....I value each and everyones comments

I've done it successfully myself. the right hand side of the car was blowing warm and the left hand side of cool but not cold. check the pressure and it was low.

Recharged it and all is well. Doesn't seem to be leaking, however this was the first time it was checked/serviced in about 7 years, i wouldn't call that a leak...