A/C Problems

[ATF]

So my A/C stopped working and I thought that it just needed to be filled. So I poked my head under the hood.

The instructions on the can told me to make sure that my A/C kicks on. I cranked it to cold, turned the A/C on and set the fan to 4. I looked under the hood and I never heard it kick on. So I took a look @ the pulleys. Should the inner of the pulley on the A/C pump be spinning? I'm assuming this starts spinning when the clutch engages?

What's the best way to troubleshoot this? I can see some wires going to it, but I didn't really take time to trace them down.

Thanks
-Nick

[tiFreak]

if the inner part of the pulley is spinning the pump is on, it should be good

[ATF]

The inner part, is not, spinning :(

[tiFreak]

The inner part, is not, spinning :(

then it's not good, not sure if it's the pump, a wiring problem or just the pulley, not sure how too troubleshoot it though, gl with the fix

[Philly]

just delete it all together, your from boston, it doesn't get that hot there :tongue:

it sounds like the clutch is fried inside the pump... :(

[ATF]

sad face.. :(

Any idea what an indie shop would charge me? I despise taking it to the dealer.

[Philly]

if its the pump, its certainly something you should be able to do....

buy a pump off ebay for dirt cheap... maybe from bavautorecyclers and get a 6mo warranty (which is free) .. and your basically set. You could swap it out in less than an hour.

I never inspected it when i had the m44 but on the m52 its only 4-5 bolts holding the whole thing on.

[ATF]

Ewww ~$300 from Bav Auto Recycling. I guess it'll be more from the dealer eh. What's the proper way to empty the AC system?

[pnosker]

I poke a screwdriver in the hole... haha

[cooljess76]

The A/C compressor is actually a biotch to remove on the M44. The hex bolts on the back are almost impossible to get to. IIRC they are 5 or 6mm. I had to make a special tool from a long allen wrench and a corresponding sized socket. Basically I just cut the elbow off the allen wrench and stuck it inside the socket. I also used a 12 inch extension. This was all done from underneath the vehicle of course. You'll see why when you look at it. Be Very careful when loosening and tightening the A/C belt tensioner pulley! It's not spring loaded like the alternator tensioner. Instead it has an offset bolt hole and a big ass hex hole to hold it in place while you tighten it. Cant remember the size of the hex hole, but it's big. The reason I say be careful is, well because I broke my A/C pump bracket. It's aluminum and there's very little material surrounding the bolt hole. Steel bolt vs. flimsy aluminum bracket = snap! I wasn't even tightening it, I was loosening it when it broke, but thanks to Bluebimma, I replaced the bracket. One time I was looking at M3_KILLER's engine and noticed that he didn't have that tensioner pulley. Upon further inspecting, I found that his bracket was broken in the same spot and somebody just threw a smaller belt on it! Whatever works I guess, but ghetto IMO. Anyway, just my .02, thought I'd give you a heads up and warning.

Also, as for emptying the system, you're not supposed to vent the refrigerant into the environment. And if you're not careful, you could hurt yourself. But TBH, I did the same thing Patrick did and used a screwdriver, lol. Just let the car sit for a few minutes. Wearing safety goggles or sunglasses, put a rag over the high side fill port and press on the valve with a screwdriver. This way the freon will be deflected by the rag and won't burn/freeze your hands. You might even want to wear gloves and a long sleeve shirt to be safe. Good luck, and be careful!

BTW, I broke my bracket while taking the belts off of my motor prior to degreasing it. I also removed and replaced "youngnikolai's" compressor when his crapped out a few months ago. He bought his compressor on ebay for 50 or 75 bucks, can't remember. Don't spend 300 bucks for one, mine works fine and I'm selling the motor. I'll sell you my compressor for 50 bucks plus shipping.

[StealthBimmer]

Hey Nick, did you try charging it up to see if the AC kicks in? If not fully charged then it won't engage.

Boston just got a heat wave with 90+ for 4 days. Now 80's all week.... need AC to drive with nice suit or shirt and tie. ;)

jess has some good tips about working on the AC. Becareful and let me know if you need some help.

[cooljess76]

Hey Nick, did you try charging it up to see if the AC kicks in? If not fully charged then it won't engage.
I didn't know that, good call.

Nick try charging the system first. If it doesn't work, I have one for ya:wink:

[ATF]

Hmm I saw that it said to shoot a little coolant in if doesn't engage. I'll try that first and see if the compressor kicks on. Thanks Ken

Jesse, thanks for the awesome instructions. Only problem right now is that I have less and less time as the year progresses :(

[ATF]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Charged the system up to like 30 psi, and the clutch kicked on. Filled it as much as I could w/ the can I bought. Good as new. Going to add a little more because it's still under the recommended PSI.

[StealthBimmer]

Someone is going to be chilling this week. :) Check it again in a few weeks to see if you have a leak or not.