So on my way home today my AC after running full blast in the 105° heat for over an hour gave up on me. The compressor and blower will not turn, the "light up" HVAC buttons no longer light up.
Since both of those components "died" at the same time, I'm assuming its a fuse/relay but don't know where to start (can't find my Bentley manual since we moved)
Could any of you point me in the right direction?
BTW new tie rod ends with -2.5° camber and zero toe rocks.
Morning bump so the work peeps can see it.
My AC controls don't light up, either. And I can't find anything in the Bentley manual.
As your compressor is engine driven, can we assume it will not engage (clutch doesn't actuate) or is it locked up? Does the compressor cycle on/off when the A/C switch is turned on/off? Fuse 20 (30A) supplies the A/C control switch assy.
Tommy Suddard wrote: My AC controls don't light up, either. And I can't find anything in the Bentley manual.
Chapter 15 Electrical, section 11 (p 43) will deal with Heater/AC electrical stuff.
mel_horn wrote: As your compressor is engine driven, can we assume it will not engage (clutch doesn't actuate) or is it locked up? Does the compressor cycle on/off when the A/C switch is turned on/off? Fuse 20 (30A) supplies the A/C control switch assy.
I'm assuming its just not getting the electrical signal to actuate, because the light is dead and the blower died as well, at the same time.
Luckily the girlfriend is still out of town until tomorrow so I drove her car to work today, now I know exactly what fuse I need to go buy at lunch so I can swap it out when I get home.
Here's to hoping that's all it is!
Holy E36 M3e!
The fuse was it, man that thing was gnarly looking. Plastic melted down and black, even got a very small piece of the housing.
E36 M3!!!!
Well, fuses don't just blow for fun. Don't be surprised if you have to track down the real problem when it blows again.
Josh wrote: Well, fuses don't just blow for fun. Don't be surprised if you have to track down the real problem when it blows again.
No, they don't. You might want to check the current draw when the a/c is running. An hour in 105 degree weather should not really bother it. You also mention that the fuse was melted. Was it the correct amperage (30)?(Or could you tell?) All else being equal the fan motor or resistors might be suspect.
I agree they don't, but heat increases the draw on the electrical system and running in that kind of heat for that amount of time I wasn't surprised. Not saying that something else isn't suspect.
It was the ORIGINAL BMW 30A fuse, at least, I say original compared to the other fuses still in the block.
mel, you seem to know whats up, do you have any idea what the current draw for the system should be operation at/near max output? Does me know good to put a multimeter on the system if I don't have a parameter to look for.
Unfortunately that's one on me...the Bentley manual has the resistnce readings but I couldn't find current.
My car has a 7.5 amp factory fuse where this one is, and its not blown.
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