A/C Related Problem

[xcrave]

Hi guys... long time didnt post a problem *touch woodRecently there is something odd that happened... Google-ed and searched everywhere but there is no similar or 100% same condition of my problem:#1 A/C Stays Constant/small increase (fan speed-wise) even after the setting on MAX! But i can lower the fan speed (speed kinda stuck at Medium speed i think)---> Checked Freon psi = ok!---> Cold air on all 4 Output Vent Channels#2 Sometimes there is this crackle noise (like plastic fan tip hit something) comes out from center vents especially when travelling more than 30 minutes*louder when fan is #2,3 and 4 Speed when on max fan its gone ----> gone after turning the A/C off for a while----> gone the day after#3 there is seem to be a/c blowing to the Gear console (i can actually feel the Carbon Fibre Plate on my Gear panel turns ice cold and there is air blowing through the gaps of my P/window Buttons---> ??? Total lost on this... maybe my inner air vents disconnected to the discharge vents?Lastly... Today the Aircond seem to not change in fan speed even after changing temperature and fan setting... even after off a/c (snowflake button) the fan stays constant (#1 problem)***If FSU --> The A/C will be in Max setting and sometimes wont turn off even after engine off, (not the case as i can still lower the speed)***If leaking/low Freon will produce Hot air center console or hot air totally (which is not the case too)***If blower Unit /fan then the cricket or crackle sound will be constant?Now this is maybe just me over panicking or this is a step to hell for my A/C system....

 

[jarance]

The crackling sound could be due to the following:-
1. Air Vane/Flap is moving.
2. Ice have formed on the AHU radiator fins and will create a cracking sound when it start to melt.
This is a sign that the microfilter is chocked and need to be cleaned up or changed.
To confirm, set the A/C to "Recirculation" mode and see whether the air flow is increased or not.

Cold Air to the G/B Console is due to a partial dislocated air duct. Have to open the dashboard to check this.

When you the speed does not changed, do you mean the airflow? What about the sound of the fan? Increase or Not?
Your resistor power pack for the speed control could be damaged if you cannot control the speed.

Sometime the airflow is affected by the microfilter which will lead to ice forming on the AHU fins.

So check the microfilter first.

 

[xcrave]

When you the speed does not changed, do you mean the airflow? What about the sound of the fan? Increase or Not?
Your resistor power pack for the speed control could be damaged if you cannot control the speed.

Speed = Airflow ... I can lower but i cant seem to get a stronger flow than previous (medium) setting

I still can control the fan speed but the flow is poor...

Sometime the airflow is affected by the microfilter which will lead to ice forming on the AHU fins.

So check the microfilter first.

If you are talking about the microfilter in the engine compartment ... that had been changed to a new one a few weeks back.

2. Ice have formed on the AHU radiator fins and will create a cracking sound when it start to melt.
This is a sign that the microfilter is chocked and need to be cleaned up or changed.
To confirm, set the A/C to "Recirculation" mode and see whether the air flow is increased or not.

Recirculation always increase the flow... hmmm


Today i just went to an aircond workshop... according to theme there is this filter at the middle of the dashboard accessible from the Head Unite (Cd Player) ... ive looked high and low and didnt see this part???

 

[aidilj]

Bro Crave,

Remove everything and see whats happening under/in front the switches...

 

[jarance]

If you are talking about the microfilter in the engine compartment ... that had been changed to a new one a few weeks back.

Today i just went to an aircond workshop... according to theme there is this filter at the middle of the dashboard accessible from the Head Unite (Cd Player) ... ive looked high and low and didnt see this part???

Yeah for E46, the microfilter is located in the engine compartment. There is no microfilter in the dashboard.

For E36, the microfilter is located inside the car and access from the steering column.

Microfilter/activated carbon container - BMW parts catalog

 

[haywire]

Cannot control the AC, and AC still on after the car is turned off, sounds like the hedgehog failure? (FSU)

 

[eujinee]

you air flow is poor is because ur air flow is leaking from your gear console...the flow/speed of ur center vent wont be as strong as original...i had this problem wen bottom vent (leg area) could not close completely....

im just a/c mechanics can sort tht out for you...


regarding on the sound on center vent...isit occur wen u go thru bumps???

 

[xcrave]

Sounds sometimes comes after bumps yes... but mostly jsut after i drive REMPIT mode

I think the most probable solution is from eujinee... The flap/vent that suppose to close the bottom vent (leg area) are faulty or need fixing... hurmmm in that case i better bring to A/C specialist as after ive open the center console there is nothing that i can understand down there


@Haywire im eliminating symptoms its not from my problem


@Jarance thank you bro, now my question are more clear

@AidilJ heheheh yeah thats what i did and it was in a mess my GF was making noise cause last night suppose to go dinner end up i cancel cause i was "mining" the center console... well i found coins and what not in there so its all good wakakak....

 

[xcrave]

PROBLEM SOLVED...

DIY actually... I opened the center console...

#1 Make sure you use a flat hard plastic to pry the gear center (i made a small chip but not noticable.

End up inside there is a meeting point for the internal cooling vents... There is a misaligned "tab" and when i start engine, put aircond in 100% airflow. SURE ENOUGH! there is cold air leaking heavily there.

I fixed the clips/tab and bought this sticky tape (black color) used for roofing as well as A/C insulation pipes (building)

Taped the joins where i can reach; it has gaps maybe due to the misalign fitting for so long the plastic is seeping cool air from the joints.

End up i open the dash and under steering just to see what inside... a few other clips/tabs mis aligned there too...

NOW I have a typhoon in the car

Thx to everyone and sorry no pic as i was so sweaty and uncomfortable the insides was very dusty...

Good luck to those who want to save some money... a few A/C shop quoted RM4-600 to fix end up i spend Rm36 for the black sticky tape (insulator tape) and this include 3 cans of Green cold ones for energy hahaha

Just sharing some simple cure to the bad airflow in my E46.