AC question

[svt408]

HI.

I have a 99 328i and a problem with the a/c..... It works very well at highway speed (or just moving for that matter), however when sitting still it blows hot.
When it is first turned on, it literally smells like a dead animal...... Please point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.
Stephen

[doughboyea]

Stephen,
Mine smells a bit too, though it's mainly of a moist scent. I'm not too sure what it is exactly, but it does run fine hence forth after initial usage. I'm not a mechanic, but when was the last time you had an instpection done, or better yet, when did you have your air filter for your heating/air conditioning system changed?

Dough

[ss3964spd]

Stephen,

All A/C systems produce water (condensate) as a by product and that water must have a place to escape. My guess is that the hose that attaches to the housing back behind the dash is probably not draining well and is therefore forcing water to collect inside of the housing. As the water sits it forms mold/mildew - that's what you are smelling. You're going to need to get that drain opened.

Your other symptom - no cold air at idle, indicates either the A/C system is low on refrigerent or that the compressor is weak.

You may be able to resolve the drain issue yourself - if you are so inclined. The 2nd issue requires a trip to an A/C shop of or the dealer.

Dan

[Dirty_Tool]

check your auxilary electric engine cooling fan to be sure it is running. If its not then most likely when sitting at a stop with no air moving through the condenser the AC system is building up high pressure and the high pressure switch is shutting down the compressor. As far as the smell is concerned be sure and check the microfilter for the ac system which is easily accessible under the hood againt the firewill under a plastic cover. IF the microfilter smells or looks clogged then replace it. Also I recommend spraying the new or old microfilter with BG fridgi fresh. If the smell persists then there is a product avail through your dealer or BG which is an enzyme in form of a foam which is sprayed into the heater box and helps to eliminate any bacteria which is deposited on the evaporator. It can be sprayed by removing the final stage from the heater box and using its access hole. Good luck, email me with any questions.

http://www.protechauto.com/priced.html <--- link to some BG products

[svt408]

Thanks a whole bunch.

Looks like Saturday is lined out.lol

[DrHighfield]

Originally posted by Dirty_Tool@Apr 23 2004, 12:09 PM
check your auxilary electric engine cooling fan to be sure it is running.

When should this fan be running, and how do I fix it when it is not running?

Thanks.