AC Clutch not engaging...

[X5-D-Sport]

AC Clutch not engaging...

Was working fine last week, driving along & then just quit working.

When the button is pushed, the orange light come on, but no clicks or clutch activation under the bonnet.

Any one know which fuse controls it & / or other potential issues causing this/repairs etc ?

I'm hoping I don't have to replace the compressor unit.....

[Steamyrotter]

Could just need topping up.

There is a pressure switch in the circuit that protects the system from running if potentially will run dry.
You could try "fooling" it to test but be wary.

Running the compressors dry will quickly destroy the seals.

[X5Sport]

Certainly gassing is the cheapest option.  Is the aux fan running up?  These things lose up to 15% gas volume per year, worse if a/c not used regularly (monthly at least) as the seals dry out.

If you have regarded it recently then a leak check may be needed.

[X5-D-Sport]

UPDATE:

the AC fan has never run in the last 2 years... but had AC when rolling always..

Checked the gas level.... and the meter says it is into the RED re pressure.... however it has run like this for the last year, as I last topped it up in the early summer of 2015 - maybe due to being 25' down South here today caused a pressure increase & it's decided it it TOO HIGH ??

I know there is a switch on the LOW side pipe that runs along the chassis... I disconnected it, but made no difference, the clutch didn't kick in.....

Maybe I should short the switch electrical connections in-case the switch has died .. or the pressure is TOO high & it doesn't like it ????

Either way, there is plenty of gas in the AC system for sure...
Is there a fuse dedicated to the clutch unit on the AC ?

****** the odd thing is... that the AC was working just fine last week & chilled the interior really well & it actually got too damned cold & so I turned the AC off a while.... but 30 minutes later it would not work again..

Recap... the gas is certainly full, The clutch will not engage, & the AC quit last week & will not work now.

Any new pointers chaps ??

[Steamyrotter]

Ah..!!  Buggers that theory then!!

Pressure too high could be a factor, but how to prove??

Have you tried it when it's cooler?

Not sure which fuses though and can't look for you.
The label on the fusebox should help??

Silly question...
Is the clutch coil OK?
Have / can you check the resistance?
Perhaps dabbing 12v on the coil connection to see it actually pulls in?

On my e39 the clutch plate used to come loose and the gap was too big for the magnetic circuit to pull it in.
Have you checked that all is tight??

[X5-D-Sport]

Hi Steamy,
I haven't checked the clutch electrical resistance, will do this tomorrow, but had the Woman press & release the AC via switch & there was no movement of the clutch at all - obviously did this with the engine running & a good torch to hand.... nothing obviously moving...

Is the electrical connection to the AC clutch any where obvious, or is this under the Engine-Undertray ??
Can it be accessed via the lifted bonnet.. ?

When the engine is off & cold, I will see if I can turn it by hand to see if it has seized maybe ?

One thing I will say... the car has only been driven 3 times in the last 2 months... but all has seemed fine - except the AC dying...

[Steamyrotter]

I think there is a plug on the side of it that you may need to get underneath to find??

If you do then check resistance, and check for voltage from the loom.

Obviously connect voltmeter first, stand back and start system....
Keep them pinkies safe n sound. 

[X5-D-Sport]

Indeed.... I like my didgets attached to my hands...

Any way.... any news re getting another X5 chap ??
You gonna buy the wreckage to build another ??
and have you punched the van driver yet ??

[Steamyrotter]

Currently in conflab with insurance assessor on settlement figure.


Am thinking of next X5 but the right one has not popped up yet.
Currently trying to get my Disco back on the road so at least I will be mobile, then can take appropriate time to source what I want.


Not thinking of buying back as don't think I can face her..
I've said my goodbyes  :'(

I am not a naturally violent person. ....
He will get what's due in court.  That will be enough for me.

[X5-D-Sport]

Good man - violence isnt the answer... CASH is lol.

Meanwhile, any suggestions re my AC are most welcome... will tinker tomorrow & see what I find out.

[Steamyrotter]

I'll try to think of other options..




The only AC I'll have is the window, a sunroof and a few ice cubes!!!!
Lol

[X5-D-Sport]

OK... AC clutch update....

All the fuses associated with the AC are fine - in fact EVERY fuse in the fuse-box is fine too lol.

Refrigerant level is good, and a tad high.... so, I purged a bit from it... still no clutch engaging...

Turns out there are several switch sensors... ie high/low pressure... Evaporate switch... actuation switch at the dash, a relay some place too...

I can hear a relay click when the instrumentation/console switch is pressed on/off...

Any suggestions for the next stage of investigation ??

I do have a DCAN disk & OBD lead, but cannot get it to talk to the car... could use this to get an error reading if some one is willing to talk me thru the set-up on the phone ??

[X5Sport]

I know it might be a really long shot, but have you tried the 'engineer's approach'  a light tap on the clutch with an adjusting stick (aka soft face hammer) just in case it's sticky?

[X5-D-Sport]

Ahhhh... the Fine Adjustment Tool...

Actually, NOT YET.... this was one of several similar tools necessary for reasonable repairs on my Discovery TDi some years ago.... but haven't resorted to this tool on the X5 YET lol

Will try a gentle wallop.... I mean "Tap" tomorrow morning 

[X5-D-Sport]

UPDATE :

A few good thwacks with a tyre iron.... still not engaging the AC clutch....
I'm thinking this is gonna cost to get the vehicle diagnosed.... bummer