E46 How To Diagnose & Refill A/C System DIY

Refrigerant (non CA residents): amzn.to/2oysmm4
Vacuum Pump: amzn.to/2oAxMfE
Manifold Gauges: amzn.to/2p8DFEP
Can Tap: amzn.to/2oykLEe
Valve Core Tool: amzn.to/2pRRhSz
UV Dye Shot: amzn.to/2pRElw0
UV Flashlight & Glasses: amzn.to/2oyarvS
Behr Receiver Drier: www.ebay.com/itm/191186979393
This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[@zardoz3929]

This is probably the best and simplest explanation I have seen for these vehicles (and A/C in general). Thank you so much!!

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Highly informative, Jason! You're a natural at explaining automotive tech. Kudos.

[@50sKid]

Thanks very much!

[@knakamura24]

@@50sKid Great video. I live in Alhambra. I have a 2000 323i and 2007 A4 B7. I've watched several of your videos and have learned a lot. Would you be interested in meeting up sometime? If so, to where can I send you my contact info?

[@jssarriaga]

Jason, you're the man! I followed your instructions and now my E46 AC is ice cold again. One point i missed from your instructions is not tighten too much the gauge manifold hose connectors (I used pliers to tighten them on the manifold side and the gaskets in both blue and red hoses were crushed and blocked with no gas passing throught the manifold to the system). After several attempts I realized this mistake and loosened the connections and just tighten them again by hand, this way both hoses were fine and I could follow the rest of the video and complete a vacuum cycle, check for leaks and then make a full gas charge.

[@elisha7700]

Professional As always, I'm really enjoying watching and learning from the videos you upload. Thank you!

[@fieldsofomagh]

Very informative video, on the inner workings of the A/C unit and the usual pitfalls to be wary of. Ten outta ten for content !!

[@scottklein4694]

Excellent video. I was an ASE certified mechanic when ASE (actually it started as NIASE!) first started 40 years ago. This is a great refresher.

[@venturecapitalconsulting-v485]

I LOVE YOU, your videos are quite interesting and professional made my life easy, I live in Sudan which is located in Africa here we have a little number of BMWs car so it is very difficult to find a mechanic or someone a professional to fix your problem but through watching your video I fixed a lot of things in my E39 528i which in the past I would never think I can do such mechanical jobs myself, you are the best God bless you and looking forward to follow your videos thank you very much

[@charlieyang6474]

Love your videos, 50sKid. Excellent!

[@Mr70sschevelledad]

Great job on your videos best I have ever seen on KZbin THANKS !!!!!

[@TheCannabisWhisperer]

Love the E46 videos! Thanks you! Wish u we're doing videos on an 07 X5 since thats what I now have.

[@michaelrivera9822]

Just a tip. To get to the 26oz 134A, add two small cans of the PAG46 oil. It has 1oz of 134a and 1oz oil and 1 oz oil additive. Around $6.00 per can.

[@waltschannel7465]

Your video is excellent!! I learned your same lessons the hard way by doing a compressor replacement on a 2001 Buick Regal. The only thing I would add is that if you replace a compressor, always replace the condenser, because the fine particles of aluminum from the self destructing of the compressor end up plugging up the condenser. Before I had a chance to make a second attempt, I got rear-ended and the car got totalled. Also the expansion valves are much different on GM cars. They are nothing but a plastic filter in the line coming from the evaporator. When the compressor goes bad the excessive heat generated in the line melts the valve. The BMW system is much more robust. 😉

[@nilotheking]

thank you jason for this video, i learned more than what i came for

[@gmdeutsch]

Great video, very informative. You do a fantastic job describing every step. Thanks for doing them.

[@stonesthrow420]

Im an HVAC Technician, and this is a great video. Also, just a reminder, you need to not only turn on the car, but also turn on your AC system to max, the compressor needs to be running when recharging to create the suction needed to draw in the 134a. (which Im sure you did but it wasnt in the video)Great job!

[@garrettgiuffre8505]

when do you have to worry about the high side if you're system only needed a recharge and the other components are hypothetically okay

[@ttinnovations3310]

Thanks 50's Kid, another detailed helpful video

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

My E46 doesn't have AC. Don't really need it here in Ireland lol but as always, I still enjoyed your video!

[@antonindeschamps6050]

Really nice proper video, good job thanks

[@mvilla4614]

@50's kid Thanks for a great video. I'm have a leak somewhere in my system that I'm trying to find a solution for. I've put refrigerant in the system and it only last about 1.5 to 2 weeks. It's hot as hell where I live and I need to finally fix this problem. I invite any and all solutions. Im Definitely going to follow your suggestions in trying to find exactly where the leak is coming from. Wish me luck👊👊

[@E39ForLife0]

excellent video, moral of the story when you replace any part in the car that has O ring or valves always go with quality parts

[@josegutierrez8283]

bro¡¡¡¡¡ You are awesome. my respects for what you do man. And very humble. your videos help a lot.

[@fuckjewtube69]

Ive done hundreds of AC refills the most common leak I see is the O-rings at the condensor and just O-rings in general. Would recommend changing all of them. They slow leaked on my E46 too.

[@50sKid]

I did actually change all of them during my recent rebuild series. Thanks!

[@jelaniperry1896]

@@50sKid I just hooked up freon to the port closest to the windshield on engine exhaust side. Afterwards i notice significant loss of pressure when accelerating from a stop. Did I do something wrong?

[@DonBMW]

I'm about to replace the compressor on my E36. Lessons taken from this video.1. Don't replace the expansion valve if it's not broken. 2. Use a good brand for components (using Denso Compressor and Dryer). 3. I'm not going to replace the valves since they are not leaking. Plus they can be replaced later without opening the system using a Mastercool Kit.

[@robgandy4550]

Good series sir. Just a hint, (Hate doing this publicly, but ...) FCP Euro, excellent parts, for good prices.

[@juliewalls5804]

Very helpful, thanks

[@Fauxtonics]

I was going to buy a set of gauges and a vacuum pump, but I found that my local O'Riely's rents them for free.

[@zongquantang]

Your videos around A/C teach me most. I also have slow A/C leak on my e90 and likely low pressure Schrader valve is leaking because I can hear hiss sound when removing the plastic cap. I would like replace the valve, but before that I have to empty the system by a shop. Now my questions are: 1) Doing empty the system, is it necessary for me to worry about the oil in compressor? 2) After empty the system, if I quickly replace the Schrader valve, and then Vacuum the system, do I need to worry about the A/C dryer, I.e. open the system in minutes time period , will dryer be damaged or impacted?

[@MadMax-cf9uu]

good job

[@marklopez8378]

Thanks for your videos very very helpful, a question when checking my high and low with my A/C gauge the low is about 35 and the high is 25 and stays there what could cause the high to not go up and is around 99 degrees here, thanks for any help and again dig your vids👌

[@Lou8430]

I really like you videos. I have one ? What is the orifice tube on a 2000 BMW 323I. I have replaced them on my Bonneville but can't seem to locate it on the 323I. Is It the same as the expansion valve on the E46

[@eminmovsumov564]

Hey man! Thank you so much! Your videos is great and that DIY is really easy to understand. Subscribe on your channel. High appreciate your works... Have a question. My e46 had leakage and for 9 month i lost 490 gr R134a. Made refill of gas with UV and try to find out leakage. The only one place is drain on the bottom of the car. Does it mean it problem with evaporator or expansion valve. How i can diagnose it correctly? Dont wanna remove dashboard (((

[@battistacagnoni3332]

Very good video as always! One question: why did you purged the yellow line with the second can having closed both sides?

[@awaisb1]

I was trying to diagnose my e46 AC as it’s been blowing hot air. I had connected the gauges and pressure looked okay on and off. I then touched the coupler at the low side and it was burning hot... does this mean bad condenser?

[@jontrice9244]

I have been diagnosed as having leaks in the condenser. Have you covered the condenser replacement? thanks jon T

[@HowToDoitright]

great video however what do we do if we already have refrigerant in the system and how do we determine how much to add? is there a chart for pressure checks on high side and lowside for E46 system?

[@garrettgiuffre8505]

Table d. Expansion valve pressure values Inlet pressure 14 bar (203 psi) Outlet pressure 1.8 bar (26 psi) Leak test with detector pressure 1 - 2 bar (14.5 - 29 psi)

[@atobsky]

Please just so i understand -- my a/c blows hot when idling and cold when on the move or somethings just takes a long drive for it to come on, is that the compressor as u mentioned in the video? and can it be repaired ?

[@luisherrera3896]

You have very good videos about a/c systems, I just replaced the evaporator of my escape, it is a 2008 v6, I wonder if you could help me out with this doubt, How much oil (pag 46) I need to add to the system to compensate the oil that I removed when I replaced the evaporator and the condenser? and how to do it if I already have my system armed again? thanks for advance.

[@tarassu]

Dryers can be dried in an oven. It takes some time to boil the water but it always works. Weight before and after.

[@CWSlok]

u are.the best!

[@MarkBlaze]

Where can I get the fitting that goes into the vaccum pump for the yellow line? I'm not sure what I need. I bought a quick disconnect fitting for my pump but the yellow line has a threaded end on the hose itself. Thanks for any and all input you vcan provide me.

[@notpinhead3514]

Great Video! I have a 2000 323Ci that has an auxiliary fan and a mechanical fan. My question is, will the A/C clutch engage if the Auxiliary fan does not turn on? I have heard mixed things from different sources. (Also I should get to fixing my fan :P ) Thank you!

[@notpinhead3514]

Does anyone know anything? Thank you

[@notpinhead3514]

Is there any way to see if the low pressure sensor is spitting out any values (on one of the BMW programs) / is bad or not? AC compressor doesnt engage. All relays intact. AC compressor not receiving any voltage (when jumped momentarily it engages). Refrigerant seems to go into low pressure with no leaks.

[@williamdejesus4481]

Hey very interesting video, maybe you can help me with my problem. My 1999 e46 323i AC is not working properly. For some reason I have to drive a few miles before the compressor kicks on. Especially if the car has not been turned on for a while. But after it kicks on it works fine. Took it to a certified shop and they said something is not right with the pressure. I have changed the compressor and drier but still same problem. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@lexiaontube]

FYI ! It needs 740 grams or 26 ounces !! you can see that on the sticker in the engine bay or online The missing 50 grams/2 ounces can make a big difference in performance

[@FMXPatrik]

Been looking everywhere but cant find any information. I have a e46 318 with the n42 engine. Just did a timingchain and guide on it and also got a new ac compressor. Its brand new and need to put oil in it but have no clue what oil or how much! PAG 100 or PAG 46?? I have no idea....

[@shayes325]

Do really need to purge the line between the can tap and the gauges after the first time? Since the can tap is sealed when you close it?

[@AlexTSTT]

The A/C system needs about 26 oz +- 0.88 oz, that's what it says on the green label under the hood. Is it ok if you only filled with 24 oz ? Does it affect the A/C system in any way ? Does it have the same efficiency as if you filled with 26 oz ?

[@ciM-vf3xc]

My Bmw e46 coupe 2001 problem is that couple months ago summer started my a/c was pushing cold air "ok". after month it started make whistle noise at around 1500rpm / 2100rpm. After that it started make hissing noise and pushes only cold air to driver side from vents. Now i visited at shop where they did first empty the system and after emptying they started pushing new refrigerant to system. System did not apply new refrigerant so they tried apply it manually. They pushed around 300g refrigerant and after that a/c compressor turned on. Problem was that low pressure line was very low i think it was totally 0. High pressure line was as they said "over". They thought it might be a bad compressor. Should i replace compressor? Is there chance the problem is only at expansion valve? Sorry for my bad english!

[@troybikemyers2961]

I have everything to do the a/c work but I would like to get the adapter that screw to the can then to the gage

[@clintrichmond5195]

Love the videos! Was wondering if you could help. I have a 2003 e46 330i. I can’t get the ac to work. Checked the magnet clutch with ac on but it wasn’t turning. Then I changed the system and it started turning but still no cold air. Drive it around and let it sit running for 20 minutes. No ac. Checked all fuses. Blower works great. I’d appreciate any guidance! Thanks 50skid

[@brentphar154]

I have the exact same e46 and AC problem. Did you find a good solution?

[@psycho3344]

Hey there I have a e46 323ci with ac issue, when ac is turned on the vent temp stays the same and I get a hissing sound coming through the vents and can hear the ac gas. If I turn the ac off the hiss stops. I had a gas refill and the compressor clutch engages, belt and tensioner is new also. checked every fuse and relay under bonnet and behind glove box, Heater control valve switches from hot to cold so works. I plugged in a code reader for live data and the a/c switch on dash works and the compressor works. And the ac request fan is 0, When the ac is turned on should the radiator fan spin? It spins when the water temp rises so does not over heat. The revs raise a little so it's a real head scratcher... Any help would be appreciated

[@demoncrathunter]

Hey 50s kid I just replaced the ac lines, the compressor and about a year ago the that huge job of replacing evaporator and expansion valve. I filled system and I am getting like 35psi low side and about 210 psi high side. The compressor is running constantly not cycling and there is absolutely no cold air. Any ideas?

[@troybikemyers2961]

Hey where can I get the adapter fitting for the can to buy??

[@howlingmedia4354]

Hello my e46 keeps clicking on ,and me thinking it needed maybe free on, I want to check it but gauge landed in the red zone ?

[@JohnIsett]

Jason, how much did the shop charge you to discharge the system?

[@andreiput9492]

hello jason. some kits include a leak sealer with the refrigerant. do you see any danger using a sealer, assuming there has been a leak and that would be part of an ac recharge?

[@50sKid]

Nah there's no harm in using it but don't expect it to be a silver bullet either. Chances are if it does fill in any gaps in the o-rings, it won't do it for long.

[@ApaX1981]

I had big problems with the AC. 2 shops where not able to fix any of it. It ended being a couple of failed o-rings and a failed displacement control valve (non service part of the AC compressor). Possible symptoms of failed displacement control valve: 1. Compressor is building very little pressure 2. At random time the AC works just fine for about 2 minutes. 3. No signs of failed compressore wear (contamination in the AC lines).

[@thecoloradooutdoors3468]

I refilled my ac system on my 330 and now there is screeching from the air vents. Any guess on what that is. Please help.

[@Sroor2023]

Nice 50 kids Iam facing same thing with my new drier can you drill it or take it to a workshop to drill it more so everything will be fine with it for the screws?

[@50sKid]

Hard to get the drill bit aligned without chewing up the threads that are there.

[@johnh1121]

My yellow hose is open on 1 end has like a shrader stiff on other. Which side goes to manifold? My gaughe only goes to -20. But holds

[@tonykwok5420]

My 2006 x5 3.0 hv a issue.. Which you may help...which no leaking iusse .. My car ac work perfactly every morning when the car is cold.. however when I packed the car for 15mins （the car at norm temp） ac hasn't work and I saw the pump cutch enabled as norm... Where is the problem?

[@MrIIBLOODII]

Hi 50sKid, does everything you do in all your M54 videos cover right hand drive too or is there no difference?

[@50sKid]

The only difference is the location of the steering column and brake booster/master cylinder. Makes no difference for a/c work though.

[@MrIIBLOODII]

50sKid thank you for that, I live in England and most applications are massively different with regards to left or right hand.

[@ToddMHofer]

Replace the condenser and receiver dryer and still have a Freon leak. Any idea where the leak is occurring?

[@DroEsco]

What about if it’s blowing kind of cold out of 2 vents but warm out of the others?

[@ve2430]

You never said how to disconnect the lines when done. I may have sucked air into the system by disconnecting the high side from the running car, and opening the valve on the low side while it was still connected to the car. Could I have let air into the system? How do I know? Still works good but I don't want it to rust and mess to seals

[@JohnFaire]

Aren't you supposed to add some pag oil into the receiver dryer. Think it takes 0.5oz. Is this important?

[@erickdleonl]

hi 50skid this is Erick, maybe can U help me, the blowing is working good, but don't have cold and hot, air, and the pressure is in risk line (red line). my car is BMW 2000 328i, thxs for urs video

[@haidar6638]

Ac on my car blowing cold air only from the middle , foot side and windshield are really hot ! Fuses are ok Water heater valve changed was dead Hedgehog 🦔 are new changed Ac comp. works well Really cold air from the middle coming

[@tonycopelyn8730]

when you vacuum ac system, what comes out and where does it go?

[@garrettgiuffre8505]

he had the system professionally evaluated by the according to the laws here. that removed just about everything. the vacuum is for taking a zero pressure evacred system to a vacuum state to confirm the system is sealed.

[@syka007]

Hi Jason, really well explained video, and also very educational. Still I have a puzzle for you. I have a e46 318d, pretty much the same A/C system as yours. And here comes my problem, after driving my car with the A/C on for about 20 minutes, the pipe coming out of the compressor, it freezes. I've checked at a local service, and I have the right quantity of refrigerant, the compressor is working well (for me it looks like it's working non- stop, not sure if that is how it should), the fan is also working. I saw this is affecting the air flow that is coming to the cabin, as it's coming much much less air, even if the vents are very cold. If I park the car with the engine still working in about 10 minutes the pipe will unfreeze by it's own and I will have the normal air flow in the cabin again, or I can stop the A/C for about a minute, the pipe coming from the compressor will unfreeze and after that I can start the A/C again, and it will work again for 10-20 minutes. I've checked this at many local car services and none of them saw this problem before nor they know exactly how to fix it. All of them have their views about the issue, and all of them recommend me to change something else. None of their explanation is really good and I don't want to spend lots of money on parts. Hopefully this is really interesting for you and you have some ideas on what the problem could be. If needed I have pictures, videos, etc. in order to show you what I troubleshoot already on this side.

[@terrenceg3257]

Does it matter what the CFM of the vacuum pump is rated? Mine is only 1.5 CFM. Thanks.

[@50sKid]

Nah it doesn't matter, that will work

[@cesarvazquez8504]

My ac would take a long time to cool. Then it started making noises when it was on. Now it doesn't blow air when I I push ac option. Only when the fan is on.

[@parangaricutirimicuarillom8502]

Could you help me please, I have problems with my air conditioning blowing cold and suddenly it starts blowing hot after about five minutes of blowing hot again it blows cold again and so on, I have gone with some mechanics, but they all tell me no They want to work on BMW cars, I don't have money to take it to an agency for this type of car and I don't know what to do. I ask you for your help, thank you very much. My car is a 2001 bmw 330i Thanks so much!!

[@defendsantabarbara6350]

I can’t figure out why I’m only getting cool air on the driver side of my e46. Any ideas?

[@EB2-]

Same issue im having

[@veauxorleans5875]

Can you help me with an AC issue I have, please?

[@MOTRETKITO]

hi jason im from indonesia, my e46 323i 2000 model, i have a problem with my AC. the compressor turn on, clutch enggage when i push AC Button and turning well, but my air con not produce cold air since im not use this car for 6 month. before that AC so cold and working well. i have replace ambient temp sensor too.. i have check my high pressure fiting and its blown some gas so high.. can you tell me whats its problem with my AC system. i hope you can help, because for now im living in small city for works in indonesia and no AC technician there can solve my car AC Problem, because its only 3 BMW on this city so small city and 1000km away from Jakarta is the Capital City have BMW Dealer or some expert Freelance BMW Technician. Please help me jason

[@anders949494]

funny you just can buy refrigerant as a normal person in like Wall mart. Because in my country (Denmark and most of EU i think) you cant buy it if you are not a shop with a Professional machine and have a license for it, and if you a mechanic you need to take a little course in it to get you own license that makes you legally allowed to use refrigerant so you know how to to handle it and how bad it is for the environment.

[@johaneriksson6724]

AndersDog94 in the EU you are not allowed to use any refrigerant if you don't have a certifikat. and it's only a certified company that can buy R134a

[@anders949494]

Yes

[@50sKid]

Wow that sucks

[@madisonone8929]

Totalitarian

[@Klijentas]

Do someone know how much TO fill A/C in e46 320CD 2004 FL ?

[@4200time]

does the ambient temperature sensor effect the way the AC works ?

[@toniocastro5426]

Jason. Does the secondary air pump on a e46 328 has a fuse in the fuse box.?

[@50sKid]

Yes it's fuse 36

[@sheistybasterd]

Hi Jason, So I did everything according to procedure, but once I pressed the ac button, the low side pressure did not drop like it was supposed to. The compressor engaged intermittently for a minute, then ran continuously, but the pressure on the low side just continued to rise until i got to about 45 PSI, and it stopped at about 45 PSI on the high pressure side again. Took the car for a drive and after about 5 minutes there was a loud hiss from the air vents, so I turned off the AC and fan. What do you think this is? I appreciate the help. I have it written in more detail here: www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?21409-A-C-Recharge-not-going-to-plan

[@50sKid]

+George Avtandilov if your high side pressure isn’t going up above 45 psi with a full charge, and your low side isn’t being sucked down, your compressor is bad. The compressor sucks from the low and sends to the high, make sense? There should be a huge difference between them.

[@sheistybasterd]

In theory it makes sense, but the clutch is engaging, which is why I am confused. Also, it is not at full charge yet, I think I got maybe half of a 12oz can in there, and the system was fully evacuated. I just stopped charging because i didn't see that pressure drop when the compressor clutch engaged.

[@stelightfoot9185]

And I dont seem to have a sensor

[@jordanmcdonald7209]

Save money instead of wasting gas

[@beyondrepair8949]

Have you sworn off cheap EBay parts yet?

[@50sKid]

Obviously not, lol

[@raihusain7425]

5:58 can you make a video on that boss, AC compressor only working at high speed

[@jordanmcdonald7209]

Just get a nitrogen tank