A/C Blowing hot/cold?

Tiny
CCOLLINS71620
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 BMW 330
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 86,500 MILES
My A/C will blow cold in the ranges of low to medium fan speed, with recirculation on and the temperature set to 60. When I press "Max A/C" or set the blower fan to high it begins to blow warm air.

When this happens, I notice that the RPMs fluctuate between 2-300 RPMs. There is a low groaning sound in front of me when I am in the driver's seat but cannot hear it when I open the hood. Additionally, the engine will shudder sometimes during this process. Once I lower the fan speed back to the low to mid-speed setting the air will become cool again.

I have turned the cold/hot dial back and forth several times to ensure it is set to blow cold air. When I turn it to blow hot air, turn the A/C off, and turn the heat temperature up to 84 it works as advertised. I am only having issues with the air at the fan setting of anything higher than medium. The amount of air coming out of the vents does not change when the A/C stops working. It will change as I turn up the speed setting or turn it to "max A/C". I assume this means my blower is

I have not taken it anywhere to be looked at or had my R134a checked. The above conditions happen if recirculating is on or off and in the temperature setting range of 60-75.

In the video I attached, I placed an instant read thermometer in the vent. It is displaying 56 at the beginning and goes up past 80 by the end of the video after I turn the fan speed up. You will also notice the fluctuation in the RPMs. Once the RPMs begin to fluctuate the groaning noise start, then I feel a light "clunk" in the seat and floorboard and the RPMs drop. It will continue this cycle until I lower the fan speed down or turn the car off.
Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 3:04 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
CCOLLINS71620
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I did not see where the video was uploaded, so I uploaded it here. I hope this helps.
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Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 3:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,582 POSTS
Hi,

If it is low on Freon, the higher fan speed will warm the evaporator faster. That is the first thing I would check.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Also, only use recirculate for a short period to initially cool the interior. Then go to fresh air. If it stays in recirculate, it can cause the evaporator to freeze up.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 8:24 PM

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