AC Compressor clutch not engaging?
 

Hello all,

My compressor clutch just stopped working last weekend while I was driving. I had the AC guy look at it but he said it's electrical, but the system is full and not leaking. I also verified the Aux Fan is working as it turns on after a long drive.

I can't seem to find the fuse or replay or both that may cause this. Anyone know where they are or have any troubleshooting suggestions?

Thanks,
Leo

The coil to the clutch is probably bad, replace the entire clutch or just the coil. There was another thread on this. Do a search, it was pretty recent.

I think it's a common deal in our cars. I just posted short DIY for coil replacement.
http://www.xoutpost.com/994369-post8.html

Oh wow, nice! Got a part number for the OEM unit?

There is no such thing as OEM AFAIK. They sell whole compressor.

I think I was the first who figured fix for this in 2009 (I was posting about it). AC stopped working, I found coil dead. Everything perfect. Also I'm OK with DIY AC vaccuum/charge etc I found it a huge waste on a perfectly working factory sealed piece. Even taking compressor out (disconnecting lines) is not a good idea IMO

I found this guy on eBay selling coils for different cars and just emailed him asking if he has different ones..
Adam ([email protected])

We spent sime time on a phone, I measured my coil I took out and he found matching replacement. It's a good coil but pin is not located in proper spot and you might need to re-solder connector.

Oh sorry bout that, i thought the oem coil that came out of your X had a part number. Did you document the part number on the third party replacement coil?

You can use an ohm meter to test the coil to see if it is ok. Could be other reasons why the clutch is not engaging. Could be low on refrigerant or a bad aux fan.

Freons good. AC guy checked it out, just doesn't work on electrical. I am wondering now on the Aux fan as it was on a few days when i went to the gas station and car was off. But today, it was 101 and it wasn't on (aux fan) when i shut the car off. Hmmm.

Just an FYI...the variable speed aux fan used on the M52TU/M54/M62TU gets a PWM signal from the ECU/ECM/DME to activate...it doesn't use the same relay/fuse set-up the old 2 or 3 speed aux fans used:


http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...52TU%20M54.jpg