AC not blowing cold air, even with full refrigerant?

alep85 · 04-30-2017, 01:13 PM

Hi all,
I've got a 2009 328i that has not been blowing cold air at all as of lately....even when I set it to max.

I figured it was low on refrigerant and maybe leaking somewhere, but checking it shows it's fully pressurized to spec (hi and low side).

I checked the outside temp sensor and it's reporting correct temperature. And changing the blend dial in the center console seems to have no major affect. So I'm at a loss on what to check next. Is there a blend motor or other electronic related AC issue that would cause it to not blow cold air?

Let me know if you all have any ideas here, thanks!

kkasson · 05-01-2017, 05:54 AM

First thing to do would be to scan the IHKA module for codes; anything else is a shot in the dark. If you have access to a scanner for that, you can also check the evaporator temperature, the pressure readings, etc. If it's a blend issue (which it sounds like it might be), the evaporator will probably be cold but it will blow warm air out of the vents.

Have you had any other work done recently? There's a wire in the center console that goes to the rear temperature control, if it's unplugged or damaged it can cause the whole system to stop working.

Bamaben · 05-02-2017, 12:46 PM

Turned temp to 60?

accel · 05-04-2017, 12:08 PM

Check if auxiliary fan (under the hood) is working when you turn your AC on.

alep85 · 05-07-2017, 12:07 PM

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I checked the IHKA and no error codes are stored. So that's good. Aux fan seems to be running, as well. And yes, I've turned the AC to 60

I'm wondering if the flaps just needed calibration. I did the calibration step in INPA, and now it seems to be doing better. So maybe something was just wonky with the flaps' calibrations?

I've attached some status outputs from INPA after doing that and setting everything to MAX AC. Nothing stands out to me, but let me know if you all see something else in there that I should consider!

BashShah · 05-19-2017, 07:16 PM

Ohhhh I learned something new today about INPA....and the Flap.....going to try it.

hsv11 · 07-17-2017, 07:03 AM

Did you get this fixed?

I have the same issue. All vents are blowing out hot air even when AC is set to max. No fresh air either. The system is on full pressure....

mweisdorfer · 07-17-2017, 01:08 PM

I think the system is over charged.

Bamaben · 07-21-2017, 08:54 PM

Could just be that it's gotten really hot outside, seriously

04-30-2017, 01:13 PM	#1
alep85 First Lieutenant 197 Rep 323 Posts Drives: 2011 335i, 2023 M340i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	AC not blowing cold air, even with full refrigerant? Hi all, I've got a 2009 328i that has not been blowing cold air at all as of lately....even when I set it to max. I figured it was low on refrigerant and maybe leaking somewhere, but checking it shows it's fully pressurized to spec (hi and low side). I checked the outside temp sensor and it's reporting correct temperature. And changing the blend dial in the center console seems to have no major affect. So I'm at a loss on what to check next. Is there a blend motor or other electronic related AC issue that would cause it to not blow cold air? Let me know if you all have any ideas here, thanks!
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05-01-2017, 05:54 AM	#2
kkasson Lieutenant 188 Rep 589 Posts Drives: 07 BMW 328i, 08 BMW 528i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	First thing to do would be to scan the IHKA module for codes; anything else is a shot in the dark. If you have access to a scanner for that, you can also check the evaporator temperature, the pressure readings, etc. If it's a blend issue (which it sounds like it might be), the evaporator will probably be cold but it will blow warm air out of the vents. Have you had any other work done recently? There's a wire in the center console that goes to the rear temperature control, if it's unplugged or damaged it can cause the whole system to stop working.
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05-02-2017, 12:46 PM	#3
Bamaben Major 183 Rep 1,082 Posts Drives: 07 335i blk/blk/alum 6MT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bimmertown iTrader: (0)	Turned temp to 60? __________________ It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at him-- Jack Handey mods: blackout grill, finishing rods, badges, Blacklines.
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05-04-2017, 12:08 PM	#4
accel First Lieutenant 45 Rep 335 Posts Drives: e90 328i MT ZSP Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: SF Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	Check if auxiliary fan (under the hood) is working when you turn your AC on.
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05-07-2017, 12:07 PM	#5
alep85 First Lieutenant 197 Rep 323 Posts Drives: 2011 335i, 2023 M340i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the replies, guys. I checked the IHKA and no error codes are stored. So that's good. Aux fan seems to be running, as well. And yes, I've turned the AC to 60 I'm wondering if the flaps just needed calibration. I did the calibration step in INPA, and now it seems to be doing better. So maybe something was just wonky with the flaps' calibrations? I've attached some status outputs from INPA after doing that and setting everything to MAX AC. Nothing stands out to me, but let me know if you all see something else in there that I should consider! Attached Images
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05-19-2017, 07:16 PM	#6
BashShah Colonel 312 Rep 2,021 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	Ohhhh I learned something new today about INPA....and the Flap.....going to try it.
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07-17-2017, 07:03 AM	#7
hsv11 New Member 2 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 335i FBO Join Date: May 2016 Location: West London iTrader: (0)	Did you get this fixed? I have the same issue. All vents are blowing out hot air even when AC is set to max. No fresh air either. The system is on full pressure.... __________________ 335i E93 M Sport - JB4, BFF, VRSF DPs, VRSF 7" FMIC, Forge DVs, CP, Alpina B3 flash - 425Bhp
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07-17-2017, 01:08 PM	#8
mweisdorfer Major General 1937 Rep 6,965 Posts Drives: 2007 Black/Black 335i e90 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Holly, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E90 335i [0.00] 2008 bmw x5 [0.00]	I think the system is over charged.
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07-21-2017, 08:54 PM	#9
Bamaben Major 183 Rep 1,082 Posts Drives: 07 335i blk/blk/alum 6MT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bimmertown iTrader: (0)	Could just be that it's gotten really hot outside, seriously __________________ It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at him-- Jack Handey mods: blackout grill, finishing rods, badges, Blacklines.
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