AC Working Intermittently

Duckysaurus · 07-25-2023, 11:31 PM

Hi all,

My AC isn't working consistently now. Sometimes it'll cool and then most of the time it won't. 2014 535xi.

Some notes:
- Compressor and alternator replaced late last year.
- No ISTA+ codes. Cleared + still no codes popping up.
- All the air filters replaced last month.
- Did a full freon flush last month w/ dye, no dye popping up anywhere so there's no leak. Pressure is holding.

Am thinking it might be the blower motor or the condenser but the latter looks fine.

Any suggestions on what to check? Am in NYC if that's any relevant. Thanks in advance!

Johnkwick · 07-27-2023, 09:43 PM

when you said it won't cool, did you hear loud muffled noise from blower and little to no air came out?

Duckysaurus · 07-30-2023, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnkwick

when you said it won't cool, did you hear loud muffled noise from blower and little to no air came out?

No noises, air flow is fine. Air just is sometimes cold, sometimes isn't.

My indy says it's probably the compressor, condenser, or evaporator.

Others in local groups say they swapped out the blower motor resistor and the blower motor.

I ordered a bunch of parts minus the compressor (since I did get a remanufacturered one last year), so I'll figure out what's the issue then return the rest. Was hoping someone who might have ran into the same issue could've shed some light on it.

Johnkwick · 07-30-2023, 05:55 PM

So it could be refrigerant issue

I would do a visual inspection first on the engine bay, check the low-pressure refrigerant line, see if it has condensation on it and touch to judge if it's cold enough. Assuming that the compressor is working, the absence of these things could be driven by low refrigerant condition.

If you have ISTA, monitor IHKA and JBE related sensors like refrigerant pressure, evaporator temp, heater core, and multiple sensors in the blower. Evaporator temp should be low all the time (below 10C), and check your heater core temp as well because if the temp stays high all the time (>40C), it means your heater valves stuck at open position which allow hot water to flow into heater core

07-25-2023, 11:31 PM	#1
Duckysaurus Private First Class 42 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2021 G05, 2014 F10, 2009 E90 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 535xi [8.50] 2009 BMW 328i [0.00]	AC Working Intermittently Hi all, My AC isn't working consistently now. Sometimes it'll cool and then most of the time it won't. 2014 535xi. Some notes: - Compressor and alternator replaced late last year. - No ISTA+ codes. Cleared + still no codes popping up. - All the air filters replaced last month. - Did a full freon flush last month w/ dye, no dye popping up anywhere so there's no leak. Pressure is holding. Am thinking it might be the blower motor or the condenser but the latter looks fine. Any suggestions on what to check? Am in NYC if that's any relevant. Thanks in advance!
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07-27-2023, 09:43 PM	#2
Johnkwick Private 24 Rep 94 Posts Drives: F10 LCI Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Southern Nusa Dua, Bali iTrader: (0)	when you said it won't cool, did you hear loud muffled noise from blower and little to no air came out?
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07-30-2023, 05:55 PM	#4
Johnkwick Private 24 Rep 94 Posts Drives: F10 LCI Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Southern Nusa Dua, Bali iTrader: (0)	So it could be refrigerant issue I would do a visual inspection first on the engine bay, check the low-pressure refrigerant line, see if it has condensation on it and touch to judge if it's cold enough. Assuming that the compressor is working, the absence of these things could be driven by low refrigerant condition. If you have ISTA, monitor IHKA and JBE related sensors like refrigerant pressure, evaporator temp, heater core, and multiple sensors in the blower. Evaporator temp should be low all the time (below 10C), and check your heater core temp as well because if the temp stays high all the time (>40C), it means your heater valves stuck at open position which allow hot water to flow into heater core
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