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A/C clutch not engaging

Tiny
ELMOFUZZYMOTO
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 BMW X5
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 239,000 MILES
The A/C stopped working. I found that the clutch was not engaging. When I applied power to the wire coming out of the compressor, then it worked perfect. I need to know what to check next. Thanks
Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 7:44 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

Let's start with A/C pressure. If the system is low, it will prevent the compressor from coming on to protect it. Get a gauge set and let me know what the pressures are with the engine off. If that is not it, then we can move onto the relay to see if that is an issue.
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Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 9:18 AM
Tiny
ELMOFUZZYMOTO
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  • 3 POSTS
Pressure is over 110.
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Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. Is this on the high or low side or both? Also, is that when the engine/AC is on or off?
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Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 4:52 PM
Tiny
ELMOFUZZYMOTO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Both sides were the same. And that was running with A/C on and off. I never noticed a change in the gauges.
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Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay.

Then you have a compressor issue. You should have about 30-40 PSI on the low side when the A/C is on and about 2.5 times ambient temperature on the high side. When they are equal, it means the compressor is not operating properly. Take a look at the attachments.

The fact that it does not work except when you apply power shows this is the issue. I would check the black and grey wire going to the compressor for an issue. If the wire is okay, then your A/C control module is most likely the issue as long as the fuses to the module are okay ( I assume they are because they are not exclusive to the compressor). Fuse F48 and F34 need to be checked.

Let me know what you find and we can go from there.
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Monday, August 19th, 2019 AT 4:36 PM
Tiny
ELMOFUZZYMOTO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
A/C press 80# hi and low relay ok fan ok clutch will not engage, relay switched with known good relay, 135 is approximately 80 # hi and low. Put out for 1/2-day Father's Day and quit before I started home. 10-amp fuse okay. So, I guess I have to jack up, pull connector of comp and find out if I have a2 v?
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Monday, June 17th, 2024 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
This is hard to understand but it sounds like the A/ compressor needs to be replaced, but to be sure this A/C guide can help us find the problem:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 AT 10:33 AM

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