my A/C decided to switch itself off yesterday in 100F heat. I had the EC lamp permanently lit.

I stopped at a strip mall and pulled some diagnostics from the panel.

Ive read that the reading after the 7 menu of diagnosis is the system pressure, it showed 08. the temperatures outside and inside showed me 98 98 and 98.

I then ran the fault code log and it gave me B1419 (compressor clutch fail)

I reset the codes and tried to switch it back on - no dice, I can see the rpm needle move about 200 or 300 rpm when the panel is switched on, but the compressor clutch will not pull in. I can spin the hub of the compressor by hand though.

I have not yet done any deep down diagnosis like testing the clutch coil (as I need to get under the car to do it). But if the clutch coil is toast (thermal fuse prob) - is it wise to replace it with an ebay item - I saw one for about 100 dollars, but its not a genuine denso. OTOH this compressor is found in a lot of cars like BMWs, VW and even some caddys - can a coil from them work?

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

I've not replaced mine, but in my days replacing clutches on domestic cars no thermal fuse exist on these. A diode very likely..

Pig-tail wire the clutch to 12v source, and watch it actuate.

Someone on benzworld on the w210 section just went through the same problem, but this poor fellow found out the climate module was not sending the compressor drive signal..

Test your clutch..

Martin

The clutch is dead - tested it and I get battery voltage at the clutch wire when the system calls for compressor to work.

The magnet coil has an open circuit. Hence no worky - even with direct 12V applied to it.

Ordered a clutch and now waiting for it. Just hoping that it wont be a nightmare trying to replace it with the compressor in the car.

__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

replaced the clutch with a denso genuine reman unit, cost me 105 shipped.

It fit perfectly - I had to unbolt the compressor and scooch is forward a bit to undo the top screws for the wiring, otherwise not very hard - you do need a large opening snap ring pliers though.

my old clutch drive hub was pretty beat up on the metal side - I did measure the air gap before removing and it was 0.8mm - the centre bolt was also quite easy to remove holding the hub by hand. I believe this is the reason why the clutch magnet thermal fuse blew out - excess slippage.

I did learn that when you tighten the clutch hub bolt to specified torque of 144 in/lbs the air gap changes - I set the clearance at installed position to 0.50mm. Using verniers or a screwgauge makes it easier as you can measure the shim stack and then add or subtract as required.

Finally I have A/C.


"rant on - some idiot banged the left rear fender of my car in a CVS parking lot, it was a hit and run - I cant get a break" rant off.

__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)