hi guys, 

 

recently picked up a 2010 E92 2.0L diesel, and the AC light is constantly flashing, have googled to no avail, there is no cold  air coming out when the car is idling, i did hear someone mention that the compressor could be recalibrating so left her sit idling for 30 mins and still no change, refilled the Ac gas that didn't help I am stumped, any help would be appreciated. thanks 

Hi Dean

Welcome to the Forum

Flashing AC light = low on gas, your AC system needs re-gassing Best advice I can give you is who ever told you it needed recalibrating take them off your advice list. 

All AC systems will lose a small percentage of gas each year so after 10 years yours is due a service/.re-gas even Kwik Fit do it at a reasonable price

If you have Climate Control leave the AC on all year around let the Climate Control take care of cabin temp, if the AC is turned off for extended periods (months) seal can dry out and crack meaning leaks and added cost to replace the seals.

Dave

 

hi Dave, 

 

thanks for your reply, i seen on a forum about the calibration i just want sure, 

 

i tried to re gas the system and that hasn't seemed to do much for me, i just wanted to try and see if it is something i could do myself before sending it into the dealer for diagnostics, i just could not find anything online in relation to the AC light flashing.

 

thanks 

dean 

Morning Dean

When you say you tried re-gassing did you buy one of the DIY cans or did you get it re-gassed by a Garage or specialist ?

The DIY bottles are often just top up quantities, if the system was way down then a top up can just possibly wouldn't be enough. A Garage/Specialist will have the correct equipment which vacuum's out the system evacuating all the old oil and gas, the vacuum will be held to measure for any leaks (no point in putting gas in if there is a leak) If it holds a vacuum then they enter the car details in the machine and it will charge the system with the correct volume of gas and compressor oil job done.

A dealer will charge between £150 to £200 just for a diagnostic session, look for either a BMW Specialist or a Garage with a BMW capable code reader that way cost will be lower

My money is still on the aircon system needing a service,hopefully there are no leaks through cracked seals the drier may need changing but a competent garage with the right kit can do that and recharge it.

Dave

hi Dave, 

 

yes i just used one of the DIY bottles from halfords,  we drove the car yesterday and the ac light flashed for a while then turned off and would not come back on, think i will need to just bite the bullet and book it into a garage to be investigated, hopefully its as you said just needs to be properly re gassed,

thanks 

dean 

Afternoon Dean

When you drove the car the light went out due to the gas reaching sufficient pressure you probably noticed cool air as well. 

Get a price from Kwik Fit my son got has Toyota truck re-gassed there last year they have the correct computerised machine so difficult for them to get it wrong and only cost £50 if memory serves 

Dave

hi Dave, 

 

yes the light went out but would not come back on,  no, the air coming out was as if the heat was turned to full. even though it was on the lowest cool setting.

 

think ill just bite the bullet and book it in, i am baffled 

 

dean