Air Conditioning

[BimmerXI]

Has anyone else run into an issue with their a/c no longer producing cool air. I have a 2001 325XI and last summer it would no longer emit cold air. The service department said it was an electrical problem and would cost around $1000 to repair. Could it potentially be a problem with the refridgerant? Could they move the part that converts from warm air to cool air instead of replacing an entire electrical harness? Thanks.

 

[ts03m3]

When I've had A/C systems go south, it was caused more by a sensor failure that a refridgerant loss.

A refridgerant loss is usually observed by a slow degradation of the A/C performance.

A sensor failure will cause imediate A/C shutdown. Through the systems are pressure sensors etc and most of my failures have been a failed sensor. Troubleshooting consistis of hooking up a set of A/C gauges, and then testing each of the sensors. The shop/service manual should give you an idea of where these are and how to test them / bypass them. Once you identify the suspected faulty one there is usually a test procedure outlined to test the sensor.

As a habit I always go out and purchase shop manuals for vehicles shortly after getting the vehicle. typical costs range fro $75 to $200 depending in the vehicle.

Hope this helps...