Intermittend center console A/C control fault

Phineas · 10-19-2005, 01:07 AM

Hi there, I have a 1998 323i Auto with a strange intermittent fault on the center control panel for climate control and heating. The unit works when it is cold outside or if the car has been standing over night. As soon as it is warmer it will either completely shut down or alternatively one or two of the green LED's stay on but with no A/C or airflow in the vehicle. It sometimes comes on for a while when fiddling with it. I have checked the wiring and rear connector for faulty connections but all seems to be in order. Anyone with ideas please?

Thanks Alex Wilding, South Africa.

crashthecar · 10-21-2005, 12:50 AM

Sounds to me like the system is low on gas!
If you wern't an environmentally concious person and thought a little bit of R134a won't hurt it too much you can do a quick check to see if there is gas in the system.
(But I wouldn't cause I am a greeenie

)

Take off one of the A/C valve caps (either up near the firewall on the RH side of the engine bay or down beneath the RH headlight)
Take a small screw driver and place it gently on to the valve.
Only press lightly or you may damage the valve.
LEAN AWAY FROM THE VALVE DO NOT TRY TO LOOK INTO IT!!!!

Gas should escape rapidly and look misty white. If there is only a slow hiss or only clear AIR coming out you are low on gas or out of gas.

Next step is to check for the source of the leak. follow all of your A/C lines and check for oily build up round connections or on the fins of the condenser or evapourator.
hopefully it's just a failed O-ring at a connection otherwise your up for big time and money to replace a evap or condenser.

Hope this helps.

jcain · 10-21-2005, 09:27 AM

I had the exact same problem/symptoms recently. This problem is well know for the 95 to 99 years.

A capicator fails on the climate control module. There is a procedure on the internet for the repair. If you are handy with soldering you can do it yourself.

There is a guy who repairs them on ebay for around $50.00US or you can buy one outright from him for $185.00US

I had mine repaired and it works just fine.

The problem with purchasing one from a parts house is that they all come from the factory to work in Celcius. If you want it to display Fahrenheit ( can't do this yourself, unfortunately) you will have to take it to a dealer who will want over $100.00 to set it to display correctly.