Major A/C Climate control problem? easy fix!
 

2002 BMW X5 3.0

Let me give you some background on what problems I had:

First off, I was experiencing erradic blowing out of the A/C vents. This was solved by a DIY post for Blower Motor Resistor aka Final Stage Unit repair I found here at X5world. Online parts supplier have this part as Blower Motor Resistor and I paid $64 at importecwarehouse.com fwiw.

Second and most concerning problem was that I also had complete climate control failure and was constantly blowing the fuse 48. I would change the Fuse and the climate control would come on for about 5 - 10 minutes before blowing the fuse killing the power before as well as after the blower motor resistor repair. You are not going to believe how easy this fix was for me personally. I read the horror stories on the net about having to replace the climate control unit for $1000 - $2000. I also read how the dealer would charge for diagnositics before the actual repair and then if there was still a problem there would be additional charges added to that.

Ok here is my fix that solved my problem entirely...........

I got my air compressor attached a needle head for blowing up footballs etc... and blew out both temperator sensor grates on the climate control on the dash and then installed a new fuse in 48 slot and the problem is solved! I figure this easy fix saved me at least $2000 since the dealer would have replaced everything they could. It appears that something had gotten into the sensor and was shorting out the climate control and a good blasting or air dislodged it and completely fixed it. I really hope this helps someone else from having to replace a climate control that is shorting out! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::2thu mbs:

I think I'm gonna try this if this problem comes up in the shop this summer... I'm sure any customer would be pleasantly surprised with that info.

I've had to narrow the fuse blowing amperage down to the climate control module before, but have no way to know the exact circuit that is causing the internal failure.

I tried this, my fuse 48 blew as well. The first time it didn't work, so I pulled the control unit out and blew the air from the rear of the unit and so far so good. Seemed the little fan was completely clogged. Anyway, the fuse hasn't blown after an hour driving time.

On other BMWs I've had, the sensor is always clogged up with dust. Normally it just makes the climate control slow to react so the temp in the cabin drifts up and down more than it should. Interesting that the E53 unit will throw a complete wobbly over it.

All,

not that I have that problem - but you never know what the future brings :-)
Would anybody be so kind and post a picture of where to blow with that needle?

Thank you

Helmuth

http://www.sundayjumper.com/climate.jpg

You can see the fluff in there.

Thank you a lot. I expected a much more complicated thing to be honest :-)

guess my fix was temporary. the fuse lasted about a week, using the A/C periodically. Then, yesterday, after using it most of the day, fuse 48 blew again taking out the entire climate control panel. Time for a closer inspection. I have read, that some E39 panels are compatible with our E53, Does anyone know this for fact? They physically look the same, even the angle of the panel edges. I guess the circuitry is in question

Too bad about your fix. There's a high degree of similarity in that generation of vehicles (e38, e39, e53) especially the electronics. I wouldn't doubt they're the same units but you can also check on realoem to confirm that.

Hi Everyone,

I'm having similar problems with my climate control module, but it would only blow fuse# 48 when I have the a/c on and driving over 100km.

In my search I found the following TSB;

TSB: SI B 64 08 06
Fuse #48 IHKA
Released 31 May 2006

The fuse could be blowing due to a cut or chaffed wiring harness; shorting #48. Inspect the wiring beside the driver's knee area between the instrument panel and IHKA housing. Also, inspect the harness around the glove box (sharp edges), the water control valve, aux. water pump and between the fuse box and IHKA module. Make sure the connector isn't loose; leading to high resistance.

I had my water pump replaced at the dealer in February and I haven't needed to use the a/c until this week. So I have a feeling the problem lies in the harness around the water pump.

Thanks and good luck

:popcorn:

Hi Weasel,
could you help me solve problem?
I don't know my climate control panel failure or Final stage unit?
- check all fuse are OK.
- climate control panel is NO lite on and can't control any button.
- the blower is blowing WITHOUT the key in the ignition.
- remove the FSU out the blower stop. Put FSU in the blower is on even without key. " Weird"

My question is: Does the FSU supply the power to the climate control? and how do I know if the FSU fail?
Please help

The faulty FSU can do weird things and yes it can cause the blower to operate when key is out the ignition and cause battery-drain.
I dont know why....

I took the climate-control unit out of the dash today and opened it carefully. It was clogged with dust so i cleaned the fan and around the resistor carefully with a very small paint brush.
I've put the unit back into the dash and no problems so far....

I am having the same problem, fuse 48 blows as soon as I turn the car on. I'll try the blow out. BUT, I also know my A/C clutch is wearing out I believe there is a relationship to this issue as well. BTW, how do you know for certain it's the climate control module? They're not cheap to replace and I am told they must be matched part numbers and pre-programmed or you will have to pay for it to be programmed. Good luck all.

Today, I experienced the same problem on my 2005 X5. The fan would not turn off, even with the key removed from the car. All lights not lit or functioning on control panel. Hot air coming out of the vents.

I disconnected all 4 cable bundles and then reconnected them and the control panel worked ok. After all of these years, there must have been a poor connection.

If your control panel still does not work, there are a couple of videos on YouTube on how to repair a capacitor on the controller board. To get a used unit, the cost on eBay is $200-$300. Some report brand new one is over $900 so if you are good at soldering electronic components then you can save some money by doing your own repair.

Replaced the FSR, didnt solve the problem. Bought a used Climate control unit from EBAY. But unable to disconnect all the wiring. Need your help.
Two of the connectors have a slider, I was able to unlock that.
One thin one has to be forced out. Did that.
The Fourth connector (at one end, slightly slanted), does not budge.

Does this help...?

https://cdn4.pelicanparts.com/techar...mall/pic05.jpg

IHKA panel: Working at the right side of the panel, disconnect the two electrical connectors (green arrows) by pressing the release tab and swinging the locks open 90 degrees. Then remove the final connector by squeezing the release tabs (red arrows) and pulling it off.

From Pelican Parts....

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm

I believe the modules are very vehicle specific. Had the similar problem and it is the CCM. These do fail. I did all the reccomended fixes, it doesn't blow fuse until you attempt to change the temp. Blower fan button doesn't work, have to engage MAX button and then lower the fan. Oh well, it's 01. with 250K miles.