air conditioner recharge question

Jeffcharger · 04-16-2023, 09:45 AM

My 535 is not blowing cold. I checked the "codes" - and I have an 801225 code saying "Compressor : shutdown due to low pressure in the refrigerant circuit".

I realize that it likely has a leak somewhere, but was looking into recharging it for the short term.

The hood label indicates it's 134a refrigerant, but it seems we can't buy any longer in Canada. They do have R12a (the "a" being significant), and they say that it's a direct replacement for 134a, but I also read that it operates at a lower pressure. I am wondering it that might cause an issue with the pressure monitoring and could cause a problem with the compressor (and it being shutdown if the pressure is lower than anticipated with 134a).

Any knowledge out there would be appreciated.

cdmulders · 04-16-2023, 10:58 AM

I had to replace my refrigerant several years ago when I sprung a leak. I think it was back in 2016. At that time, I had my F10 in Belgium (used to be posted there with the RCAF, but that is another story). In Europe, they had also switched to R12 (or R12a?). I've had no issues with this refrigerant since then.

Jeffcharger · 04-16-2023, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdmulders

I had to replace my refrigerant several years ago when I sprung a leak. I think it was back in 2016. At that time, I had my F10 in Belgium (used to be posted there with the RCAF, but that is another story). In Europe, they had also switched to R12 (or R12a?). I've had no issues with this refrigerant since then.

Thanks, that sounds promising. Do you know if there was any adjustment to the pressure monitoring needed?

cdmulders · 04-16-2023, 08:49 PM

As far as I know, no changes were made to anything.

Jeffcharger · 04-17-2023, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdmulders

As far as I know, no changes were made to anything.

Thanks

CrippledLucifer · 04-22-2023, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffcharger

My 535 is not blowing cold. I checked the "codes" - and I have an 801225 code saying "Compressor : shutdown due to low pressure in the refrigerant circuit".

I realize that it likely has a leak somewhere, but was looking into recharging it for the short term.

The hood label indicates it's 134a refrigerant, but it seems we can't buy any longer in Canada. They do have R12a (the "a" being significant), and they say that it's a direct replacement for 134a, but I also read that it operates at a lower pressure. I am wondering it that might cause an issue with the pressure monitoring and could cause a problem with the compressor (and it being shutdown if the pressure is lower than anticipated with 134a).

Any knowledge out there would be appreciated.

Man, I've been dealing with an AC refrigerant leak on my E90 for a while and have been contemplating recharging with 12a as well since 134a isn't available in Canada. I've read conflicting reports about how it's so flammable and how it's not that good for the hoses and pipes for those vehicles. Especially since you have a leak, I've read reports that the car could catch fire or whatever so I've been even more put off by that.

On my E90 at least, I am almost certain I have an evap leak which is a huge PITA to repair. Makes more sense to recharge the system in late spring which usually provides cold air until at least the end of summer.

Let me know what you end up doing!

04-16-2023, 09:45 AM	#1
Jeffcharger Enlisted Member 19 Rep 49 Posts Drives: E60, F10 (535i) Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	air conditioner recharge question - R134a versus 12a My 535 is not blowing cold. I checked the "codes" - and I have an 801225 code saying "Compressor : shutdown due to low pressure in the refrigerant circuit". I realize that it likely has a leak somewhere, but was looking into recharging it for the short term. The hood label indicates it's 134a refrigerant, but it seems we can't buy any longer in Canada. They do have R12a (the "a" being significant), and they say that it's a direct replacement for 134a, but I also read that it operates at a lower pressure. I am wondering it that might cause an issue with the pressure monitoring and could cause a problem with the compressor (and it being shutdown if the pressure is lower than anticipated with 134a). Any knowledge out there would be appreciated.
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04-16-2023, 10:58 AM	#2
cdmulders Captain 327 Rep 697 Posts Drives: 2013 535xi Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Nanoose Bay, BC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 535i xDrive [0.00] 2010 E89 Z4 sDrive35i [8.00]	I had to replace my refrigerant several years ago when I sprung a leak. I think it was back in 2016. At that time, I had my F10 in Belgium (used to be posted there with the RCAF, but that is another story). In Europe, they had also switched to R12 (or R12a?). I've had no issues with this refrigerant since then. __________________ 2013 535xi, Carbon Black, beige interior, M Sport package, HUD, DDC & ARS, ACS springs, Kelleners wheels 2010 Z4 35i, Crimson Red, beige interior, 6sp manual, Adapative Suspension 2000 528i, Cosmo Black, beige interior, Sport package (retired)
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04-16-2023, 08:49 PM	#4
cdmulders Captain 327 Rep 697 Posts Drives: 2013 535xi Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Nanoose Bay, BC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 535i xDrive [0.00] 2010 E89 Z4 sDrive35i [8.00]	As far as I know, no changes were made to anything. __________________ 2013 535xi, Carbon Black, beige interior, M Sport package, HUD, DDC & ARS, ACS springs, Kelleners wheels 2010 Z4 35i, Crimson Red, beige interior, 6sp manual, Adapative Suspension 2000 528i, Cosmo Black, beige interior, Sport package (retired)
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