It's Spring - so... no aircon :( E46 330i Touring

[Morat]

Does anyone have an idea where I should start with this? The E46 doesn't produce any cold air. I hit the switch and the clutch doesn't seem to kick in on the compressor. I tried a halfords self gassing kit and the pressure gauge shot up into the red. Assuming I plugged it into the right fitting (back near the bulkhead, slightly driver's side of centre) then the pressure is reading too high, which wasn't what I was expecting.

Hey ho, if this has to go to a specialist, then fair enough. There's no way I'm taking a 2yo to France in June without aircon! But if anyone has any suggestions I'd be grateful!
Cheers,
Morat

[Andyboy]

Take it to Kwik Fit - for 35 quid they will vacuum the system (this is essential) and see if it holds a vacuum. If it does, it gets a shot of gas. If it doesn't hold, they don't charge you. The AC didn't work on the Laguna when we got it 2 years ago, it got gassed here and it still works now. I've just had the Zafira done but we'll see how long that lasts.

Changing an E46 condenser is really good fun btw, a paragon of intelligent design that involves a fight to the death with the usual E46 radiator removal bollocks. Enjoy.

[DanThe]

If its 10 years old odd, or done mileage the chances are it will need a new condenser
The vac test is not enough to rule out no leaks, I had one done on my E39 which passed the test and still pissed the fresh gas out after 24 hours

Spot the difference

[Morat]

Thanks fellas. I'll take it to Kwik Fit (sounds dirty! but I read that they have the latest machines) and see if they can sort it. If not, I'll take it to the local aircon specialists and adopt the position.

Condenser. Hmm, sounds both likely and painful. Ah well.
Cheers

[Morat]

Well, top tip on Kwik Fit!
I got a full charge of gas and a leak check for Yorkshire's Favourite price, so thanks for that.

OTOH, the system still doesn't kick in. It did need charging, but the guy said that there wasn't a leak. I guess there could still be a slow one. Anyway, the system is full, the Kwik Fit guy check the fuses and there's nothing obvious wrong.

I guess it's specialist time, once I've checked the _actual_ fuses and relays. I suspect the Kwik Fit aircon guy may have missed one or two, being a generalist.

edit: Just read the codes using the Torque app. Only one code which I don't think is relevant: P0599 Thermostat Heater Control Circuit High. According to random Googling this is a special circuit in the thermostat which makes it open extra wide during extra hard conditions. Hmm.. maybe.
I was hoping for an aircon pressure sensor code, but nope.

Back to the search engines!

[wellard]

If there is gas in the system then check you are getting voltage to the compressor when you switch on the ac.if you are then the compressor or compressor clutch is probably at fault.
Also make sure the auxilary fan is not siezed.
Did the kwik fit fitter not check the system pressures when he regassed it as you can diagnose most problems from the hi lo readings?

[Morat]

Interesting. I shall stab my multimeter in there one I work out which bits to measure. Thank you!

[Morat]

We have a winner!
The fan had indeed failed. It spins freely but won't run. This has thrown a code I couldn't see with my software which is enough to stop the ecu from engaging the compressor. Second hand fan ordered because they are stupidly expensive new. Let's hope it works!

[wellard]

It might be worth checking the thin wire at the fan plug as I had one where it had corroded in the plug where it crimps to the connector. Looked ok from outside.
Have you checked the fat red and brown wires for live and earth?

[Morat]

This looks to be the next thing on my list.... I swapped the fan and no joy
I should have read your post before hitting the bay of sin!

[Morat]

DOH, forgot to recheck the fuse. New fan, new fuse, reset codes again - all sorted. Ice cold aircon and the engine isn't in danger of overheating whenever we hit traffic.

Hurrah! Thanks folks