BMW X5 AC problem
 

Hey guys,

I'm having trouble with my 2002 bmw x5 that I purchased back in March of 2010. I'll start off explaining the situation and hopefully I can get some input.

My AC start off being a little cool on the drivers side and the passenger side was running warm. I added more refrigerant in there and the AC was cool on both sides. After having it run for pretty cool for a month or so, it just stopped be cold. The AC is blowing as the same temp as it is outside of the SUV. I researched it and this site came up and many folks suggested a aux fan replacement and also replacing the FSU, which i did. It still blows hot.

What should I try next? I rather not take it to a place to look at it because most places around my area charge for looking at it and I'm planning to fix it myself to save on costs. Any suggestions would be a big help. Thanks!

heater/water valve. fixed ours right up!

sorry to say but symptoms suggest a leakage somewhere. if the evaporator has never been replaced, it is a likely culprit for a 2002. evaporators usually dont last that long. this will be a difficult diy as the dashboard needs to be removed. maybe worthwhile to go to a good ac shop that has the capability to check (e.g. dye injection) and identify the location of the leakage. if evaporator is the culprit, the last owner may have cheated you.

Step one should be analyzing the running pressures of the system. That will tell you if you still have a charge, if the compressor is working properly etc. You can not properly diagnose most AC problems without a set of gauges on it.

If that were the case, wouldn't my refrigerant level be low since it's leaking?


When I refilled it on refrigerant the pressure reading of the low side said it was low. After refilling it until it was in the 30ish reading, it was fine. Then the AC when completely dead on me. I took another reading and the pressure was in the red.


Thanks guys for the quick reply!

If the low side pressure is full high, in the red, the compressor isn't kicking on. The DME has to release it to activate when ac is requested, so the easiest way to see if it is being released is to unplug it and check the voltage at the plug with a volt meter. If it is betting battery voltage but the compressor doesn't kick on when plugged in it needs a clutch. (not sold seperately, but there's a thread on here about repairing it)

Can I assume that the DME is the wire that is plugged to the compressor that can be seen from the top?

Yep, the only wire plugged into the compressor.

Just a quick update on my problem. Took the x5 to a mechanic my dad knows and we found out that the compressor does work, I just need a new AC pressure switch. Anyone know of a site that would have it for cheap? Thanks!

try bimmerparts.ca. they are great to work with and will ship anywhere.