05-18-2022, 10:22 AM | #1 |
New Member
1
Rep 6
Posts |
A/C Stops working under hot weather conditions
Hi folks. First of all, I have to say that I had the same issue with my 2014 228xi, and now it's happening with my 2017 M240i.
When the summer comes, and midday temperatures start going over 26C (79F) - my A/C starts freaking out. Even if I started the car in the cold garage, after 20-40 minutes of driving, A/C starts blowing hot air inside. My air vent regulators are set to cold air. I tried using the max A/C mode, but it didn't help. I don't have any error codes coming up (I tried to read the errors with bimmerlink, and I always ask to check the car for errors at my car shop). I'm from Ukraine, and I have no access to my car service (I'm far from home). And I'm not sure about the local dealer service competence/price. So I want to try diagnosing the problem myself (sometimes we're traveling for 8 hours straight, so I really want to stay alive at 30C). I have the OBD2 cable, windows laptop and phone with bimmerlink/bimmercode installed. Any help diagnosing the issue is highly appreciated. |
05-18-2022, 11:47 AM | #2 |
Private First Class
1289
Rep 160
Posts |
My cooling fan stopped working and wasn't throwing any codes. If I was in a lot of stop and go traffic, as opposed to open highway cooling the radiator, the car would start to overheat and the computer would automatically turn off the a/c compressor (and possibly turn on the heat to draw heat away from the engine bay).
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-18-2022, 12:40 PM | #3 |
Car Geek
4131
Rep 3,829
Posts |
The condition sounds very much like what happens with a frozen evaporator. The A/C setting, humidity and low refrigerant charge level are all factors, together with the temp sensor position.
The 2014 228xi may have been affected in the same way as the BMWs covered in this TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...47927-9999.pdf There should have been slight programming and sensor positioning mods for the M240i, but the conditions listed in that TSB may still increase the probability of the evaporator freezing. One way to confirm a frozen evaporator is when the A/C stops blowing cool air, park the car for a while and look for a puddle forming under the car as the evaporator thaws. If no puddle forms, then I would have any equipped air conditioning service centre check the refrigerant level before doing any further troubleshooting. Hope things all work out to your benefit in Ukraine, BTW. |
Appreciate
1
overcoil3104.50 |
05-18-2022, 03:27 PM | #4 | |
New Member
1
Rep 6
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-18-2022, 03:30 PM | #5 | |
New Member
1
Rep 6
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-18-2022, 04:15 PM | #6 |
Major General
5049
Rep 6,346
Posts |
I don't know your situation, but it concerns me that you filled it up last month. My 8 year old 228i has never had or needed the AC system refilled. Why did yours need filling? The root cause of the problem may have been involved then and still exists now...a leak somewhere?
__________________
2015 228i 6MT/Track Handling/Tech/Cold/Premium/Lighting/Driver Assistance/KCDesign Strut Brace/M2 LCAs/Rogue SSK/BBS SR/PS4S/ER Chargepipe/AA Intercooler/Dinan Shockware/MPerformance Spoiler/Black Grilles/Xpel Ultimate PPF & Prime XR+ Tint/Adam's Ceramic/no CDV
2024 X3 sDrive30i/MSport/Premium/Dynamic Handling/Shadowline/Parking/Xpel Prime XR Plus/Weathertech Cargo Liner |
Appreciate
0
|
05-19-2022, 01:26 AM | #7 | |
New Member
1
Rep 6
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-19-2022, 09:10 AM | #8 | |
Car Geek
4131
Rep 3,829
Posts |
Quote:
Unfortunately if this is a case, a system rebuild at least including a new dryer and possibly the replacement of all non-metallic components such as seals, would be necessary. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-19-2022, 11:03 PM | #9 |
Second Lieutenant
130
Rep 223
Posts |
Agree with above experts. I would just add that if it works well with cold air, then quits, and works fine after sitting for 30 minutes, it is likely a frozen component as a known issue that might be fixable with reprogramming. Another issue that can cause the same symptoms is a clutch compressor that loses traction when it gets hot - don’t know if that can happen here - it did with Volvos.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Tags |
a/c, air conditioning, m240 |
|
|