A/C gone. Ideas?

M

mostwired

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#1
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Orlando, FL
#1
I was driving yesterday and A/C just stopped cooling. Blows hot air. It was very sudden (doesn't sound like a leak to me). I checked every fuse - all are ok. Engine is ok, coolant level high. Belts are ok. When I push A/C button, the compressor starts up.

My car is a '96 318i - I know on 4-cylinder ones the A/C temporarily shuts off during hard acceleration. That was the case then, I accelerated, and A/C turned off - it just never came back up. What controls this mechanism? Is it mechanical? (I can swear I hear some unusual rumbling in the exhaust tone, but maybe I never paid attention to it before).

Or maybe my BMW got pissed off at me for buying another car that's not a BMW, but a Jag [:)]

Any ideas appreciated!
 
S

SigEp259

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#2
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Location
Tennessee
#2
The problem with A/C, from what I understand, there is a seal on the compressor and overtime it can dry out. This happens when the A/C is not used frequently and the fluid will leak out slowly. Usually happens after winter, when you do not use A/C, then summer comes you use it and little happens.

What I do is use the A/C for a few minutes a week during cold months just to keep that seal lubbed up as the oil in the system travels through the entire system different that what your home A/C does. I also re-charge the system once every two or threee years. As long as you have A134 in your car you can DIY.
 
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