It's more important to have the water pump running than the fan - that is probably what caused the overheating. The liquid line hose should pop out and swing free out of the way leaving the switch attached if you want. Does anyone have a fix for the manual unit. Quote from the dealer - $1,000.00. First of all, great write up. Help-the fires of hell are blowing on my toes making it impossible to drive my 96 328i Vert. I have a 2004 bmw x5 3.0i,,When I start it in the marning it chirps and whistles as it warms up,During the warmup time it clicks and the noise goes away,,then clicks again and the noise is back on? I'm surprised my system worked at all previously. Thank you. I'm pretty sure that on your model car, the belt tensioning system is very similar to the one detailed in this article. Just be careful not to bend the circuit board, as it might crack. - Wayne at Pelican Parts. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Thanks for the confidence boost Pelican Parts! - Nick at Pelican Parts. My mechanic wanted almost $700 for parts and labor. Thanks. If I didn't have the photo, I might have plugged the fan into the wrong socket when reassembling since I didn't note which socket I had removed it from. Is there a diagram for the belt setup?? Shockingly i throw water in the area the noise was coming from and the noise went away i guess until the belts were dry again. However, it turned out to be the pulley attached to what I believe is the alternator. High-quality replacement compressor for air conditioning for E36 3-series and Z3 models with the M44 4-cylinder engine. E36 Air Conditioning Condenser Stay cool and keep your A/C working with this new condenser Brand: ES#: 2215412 Mfg#: 64538373004 Qty: Availability: In Stock $114.95 Add to Cart Free Shipping E36 Air Conditioning Compressor Stay cool with this replacement compressor Brand: ES#: 233876 Mfg#: 64528391474 Qty: Availability: Ships in 3 Business Days Some parts are OE and some are aftermarket alternatives. Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. - Nick at Pelican Parts, Since I have replaced the belt on my car now it boil water over the reservoir, Check if the belt is on the water pump correctly. All went well with the installation of the belts and water pump, but now there is a weird sound, cannot pin point where it is coming from, but when clutch is pressed in the noise becomes louder, could you advise what this could be???? Easiest way is to remove all together. BMW quoted me $1300 to repair HVAC controller. (Pelican Note: when handling circuit boards, it's always a good idea to ground yourself to prevent static electricity from damaging the board). which is tension release nut? With the poly-ribbed belts, replacement is a snap. BMW 328ic 1997, No, I think only if you leave it on (auto) when exiting the car. I have a '98 318ti and need to replace the water pump. Refrigerant Oil: http://amzn.to/2jVdptp2. I'm guessing it snapped and I lost it somewhere while driving. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Do you guys have a book out that covers 5 series? They can help you find the right part. I would just keep a close watch on the coolant level, and see if you're losing coolant anywhere. Shock Type Hydraulic and 2. No single crack was seen. i did everything step by step. - Nick at Pelican Parts. - Nick at Pelican Parts. I'm pretty sure you can just crank on it counter clockwise and it will come off. I just have a question about installing the poly-ribbed belts on an E36. However, I would guess (but can't be sure) that the bolt will come off in the opposite direction of tensioner rotation / belt rotation. The water pump or an idler pulley could be faulty. The description of this process is one of those things that is difficult to describe, but very easy to do. Hello mate i have a bmw 120d 2005 reg the crankshaft pulley has a little wobble in and the belt came off the other day, i was wondering if there is anywhere to get a step by step guide to changing the crankshaft pulley? Thank you, Ted. Total savings 976.12. It looks like I have to take the alternator out. There was a major change for cars in 12/93, I want to make sure that we're talking about the same thing. - Wayne at Pelican Parts. Check our site pelicanparts.com for a repair manual for your vehicle. Thanks to the Author, What a brilliant article. - Nick at Pelican Parts. If you are using a polar capacitor like this one, I have read that the positive side is the side closest to the edge of the board. - Nick at Pelican Parts. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Well, there you have it - it's really not too difficult at all. Would a 35V suffice? Put the AC belt on next. It will be marked with a number - that is the length in millimeters of the belt (like 840 means 840mm). I have a 96 328i and my ac started to only work intermittently and eventually only would work on high followed by now it doesn't work at all. On the E36, the belts use a spring-loaded idler, which is basically self-adjusting, so you don't need to set the tension (unless you have an early 318, at which I recommend about 1/2" or so deflection at the mid-point of the longest length of the belt). Check to make sure that the belt is securely seated in all of the pulleys. - Nick at Pelican Parts. There's been about 250 miles since new belt and tensioner was installed. According to the fins on the pumps inside or back side that mounts to engine. I am worried that if I continue loosening, I will just take the tensioner off. I used a 1.0uf thats all radio shack had and it worked! - Nick at Pelican Parts. View, print and download for free: BMW 328i 1997 E36 Service Manual, 759 Pages. With the face plate off, the front circuit board snaps out easily. Please let me know how to start the return/exchange process. Idler pulley + new S-Belt Thermo./gasket, new H2o pump. - Nick at Pelican Parts. I found that taking off the old solder and re soldering with better solder worked just fine with the original cap. A Pelican community member may be able to answer your question. where are they? Thanks for the feedback. Do not attempt to turn the geared bolt without first releasing this nut on the rear - you will most likely damage the bracket. is there a technique installing a new belt? Much more difficult when the noise is only happening at speed though. My tensioner is not moving just unbolting. Have a e36. - Wayne at Pelican Parts. Thanks for your time and effort. Can you point me to the right part to get a double-wheel that will spin both belts? Everything is aligned right and tightened. I also suggest a 'come along' type pipe on the socket just to add some leverage in moving that tension pulley when trying to fit the belt over the last pulley. I completed the task as described and everything came back to life, but now the little cooling fan runs on and on after I turn the car off. These type of comments add so much to the Pelican tech community. The car starts up fine. Follow the directions in the tech article. When inspecting your belts, the one thing that you want to look for is cracks (yellow arrow - Figure 1). Hi, on my 1991 325ix e30 I heard a whine/noise from the engine compartment when I turn on my headlights. When putting the PC board back in the case you have to be careful to line up the fan duct just right, or you'll have to take the board back out and do it again. Great article instructions & pics. I have a 1993 318i. I've noticed that my heat is always blowing hot out of my floor vents regardless of what I have set on the digital HVAC unit. A slipping belt could cause overheating, if the water pump is not turning. You need to consult a wiring diagram to see how the fan is powered. The climate control unit snaps out just like the multifunction display did. Meaning, I can't tell when there's a real issue with my car. I would start by checking the fuses. This picture shows the old blue 0.47 uF capacitor and new gold 1 uF tantalum capacitor. If no, then it's most likely a pulley or bearing from one of your devices on the engine. Someone said its sounds like the timing belt, there's around 74000 on the clock. I believe some signals are shared, so it has to remain plugged in. First off is the crankshaft/AC belt. The second time, you could see where the solder had corroded from having burned lacquer mixed in with it, so I properly cleaned away all the lacquer from the terminals and re-soldered it. - Nick at Pelican Parts. But what else will I need to replace to use 134a refrigerant. Katrina, thank you for your comments on July 24, 2011 about replacing the belts on a 318i! thanx for the article. You'll need to replace the cables. It is important to soak up all the solder that is holding in the current capacitor. Is all else fails, you can remove the dust cover and use the bolt on the pulley to compress it. The main belt tensioner pulley never had a dust cover. i did a transmission overhaul and i still have the same problem. - Wayne at Pelican Parts. How would you change the hydraulic tensioner? Removed the center console and glove box inside the car. Could it be one of the flaps? Nobody knows where can I get the wiring diagram? If the screw is stripped, you will have to extract it, then replace it with new. I have just soldered the 0.47uF cap on the board, and so far so good. I wish I had seen this earlier. I can't find it on parts diagrams. I hear screeching/squeeling sound under the hood if my car starts to slow down or going to idle. is there a different fix for that? It wont turn ive tried all day. I would replace the pulley and tensioner. on my BMW 318 i have a medal hex screw that is stripped. Similar symptoms - the controller would randomly start / stop working. Any suggestions? I have replaced the blower motor due to "chirping crickets" noise, and replaced the FSU in hopes of fixing intermittent blower motor inop. My rule of thumb is to take a look at the belt that is on the car to begin with, before taking it off. - Nick at Pelican Parts, I bought an 87 325i. It would be a good idea to check all the pulleys for smoothness and lateral play as well. - Wayne at Pelican Parts. The fan belt powers the water pump, which will cause the car to overheat very quickly if it's not operating properly. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Use this photo for reference. The little silver screws in this unit are not Philips screws, they are a #7 Torx head with a slot. Any help out there? It is 12 Deg F outside, and the entire process worked out great. Is this the wrong relay in its place? Free postage. Belt replacement is nearly identical to the poly-ribbed belts. I use a long handled ratchet with the appropriate sized socket. Is this because there are different pump fins for different model bmw's? Thanks. If you remove the dust cap, you can rotate the tensioner using the center bolt, that is if there isn't a hex boss on the tensioner arm. Hi,according to me there are 3 things that may be broken.First-the motor blowerif there is a noise from it,second-the final stage unitmine stopped work without any symptomsand third-capacitor. I went to check the engine and 1 small belt was hanging freely by a single pulley, it came right off, not broken or anything. - Kerry at Pelican Parts. - Nick at Pelican Parts, Thanks, I had a belt slipping on my 87 e30 with the V style belts. The first one was ceramic. Thanks for sharing the photos. that worked perfect!!! My unit works, red and blue arrows light up when dash lights are on, but perimeter lights do not come on. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. i purchased a belt for my 2000 BMW 741 I and i think it is too big as it has too much slack and i followed the directions shown above. - Nick at Pelican Parts. The product has been added to your wish list. You may find it easier to remove if you insert a flat blade to help them snap out of their recesses. Remove the condenser lines. Once the tabs are free from their holes, you can pull the board, or push it from the rear using the holes in the back of the case. The 318 and early cars have a ratcheting system that you need to turn to adjust tension though (as shown in the article, Figure 6). Just buy a new one I guess. Good to go! The melting is just a . Check belt tension. Because there is a belt that snapped or hanging around the fanthree people who looked at it also saw the belt around the fan??? climate control would go on and off on it's own, or blow while off A couple of tips. it works great with the new capacitor, Thanks for the feedback. - Nick at Pelican Parts. We appreciate it. 99 bmw 323is coupe, If you have one harness and the new one has two, you have the wrong part. I would double check your work. CarManualsOnline.info is the largest online database of car user manuals. Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. Replace the bracket?? Remove the dust cap, then loosen thebolt and rotate the tensioner to relieve tension on the drive belt. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Other than a restrcited cooling line or cooler, a high load on the trans would cause an overheat. - Nick at Pelican Parts, Hi i appreciate the help this site has given me in other problems but i'm a bit stuck here i want to replace my a/c belt on my 318i but i cant find the rack-and-pinion to loosen up the tension i know you mentioned it but im a beginner and i can't take it to a shop due to me making a deal that if i can learn to fix it i can keep it, I have to guess at what model your vehicle is, but assuming it has an M42 engine, the A/C belt has a tensioning pulley. 1999 323iC e36 87,000 miles original owner. I have a 2008 BMW 528i Sport with 94.8K miles. If you can't find a replacement capacitor, it's worth trying to simply re-solder the legs of the original but the main point is: make certain you remove any trace of the amber-colored lacquer from the terminals before trying to solder the capacitor whether new or original. Air Conditioning & Vents for BMW 3-Series E36 (1992-1999): A/C Compressors and Parts Free Shipping over $99! belts? That is always step 1. To make it short, R-134a has different chemical and physical properties than R-12. i am spending too much on the box than i had anticipated pleeeease advise. I did use an allen wrench with a cheater to move the one tensioner and a 5/8 socket for the other. my unit has no display but aircon pump is running. A special PAG (Polyalkylene Glycol) oil is recommended. Thank you for the great article and detailed write up! The belts are driven off of the crankshaft and power accessories such as the water pump, power steering pump, alternator and air conditioning compressor. HI: Just applied your fix and it went just as you said it should. - Nick at Pelican Parts, Hello. How many mounting bolts do I need to loosen? The idler pulley. If these are not working on your tension pulley, try a 16 mm socket. Hi Pelican, my control unit display is going dim or off, but the orange background light is on. The tensioner does not start loosening. I would only need 2. - Wayne at Pelican Parts. Thanks for this write-up! The tensioner for the power steering/alternator belt is the lower one of the two small smooth pulleys for that belt. My son's A/C now works again. The warning signs previously had been coming on since April but I've taken it 3 times to 3 mechanics, & they all said they couldn't find anything wrong. Its a conti-V multirib belt # 5k829. Even though we used a 2006 530xi touring wagon to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any vehicle with the N52 engine including the 1,3,5,6,7 X1,X3,X5 and Z4 with minor . 2006 model year 3-Series using an automatic tensioner. - Nick at Pelican Parts. In some vehicles these mount the radiator and condenser together. I realised the V Belt had snapped and the coolant expansion tank had cracked. Compare the new belt to the old belt and make sure that it's the correct size. E36 Air Conditioning Condenser Keep cool in the summer with this new condenser Brand: ES#: 3492448 Mfg#: 64538373004 Qty: Availability: Ships in 6 Business Days $145.02 Add to Cart Grommet Brand: ES#: 180182 Mfg#: 64538391412 Qty: Availability: Ships in 2 Business Days 14% off MSRP $25.14 $21.50 Add to Cart Free Shipping on orders $49 and up I have purchased alot of parts from your store, but this belt doesn't even fit correctly on my tensioner and going somewhere else must of been a mistake lol. What gives? The recommended total maximum capacity is 5 fluid ounces - 4 if new parts are replacing . It will have the procedure, special tools and torque specs. We offer you to get acquainted with the diagrams of fuse boxes and relays bmw e36 and their locations. I have an 85 E30 that I'm doing the timing belt on. While you probably don't have to take the fan off to do this job, I found it much easier without the fan so I wouldn't have to wrestle with it while getting the new belts on - I didn't have to get under the car, plus it gave me an excuse to use your fan pulley holder again! - Nick at Pelican Parts. You can quickly remedy noise and have piece of mind knowing they won't fall apart. A Pelican community member may be able to answer your question. Also, the flat blade keeps the edge of the vinyl dash cover from catching on the display and tearing loose from the dash as you pull the display out. I have a 96 328 i and my problem is that the car keeps overheating, but there's no leakage and coolant is not low. Any help is greatly appreciated, or maybe pointing me in the right direction. To be sure, monitor the control signal to the final stage. Is there any harm in driving without the dust covers? I'm stuck on the tensioner for the power steering pump. Tensioner+ Alt. We have AC again just in time for the window to stop working. Once the bolts are removed, remove the condenser slowly to be sure that no bolts remain and so that it does not snag on any wiring or hoses. The capacitor will be easier to break loose if you scrape the varnish from this side, and you MUST scrape the varnish from the contacts on the back side so you can desolder them. It's worth a try as it is not an expensive repair. There is no apparent wine or hissing coming from them. 98 E36 328is. Glad you got it working. I just replaced the alternator. Thanks. Thanks for the feedback, glad it worked out. I mean, the unit is full working with the 0,47uf capacitor replaced but now the right climate zone is impossible to set temperature, the left side is ok Maybe some static discharge ruined the unit? My BMW 318i 1999 model bought from Japan seems to have a different circuit board to the one shown in the pictures. Start by removing the drive belt and ispecting the pulleys for looseness. Look at the way the betl wraps around the tensioner pulley, then rotate the tensioner away from the belt, toward the are of the pulley with little to no belt wrap. The cracks will usually occur on the inside of the belt (the surface that typically rides on the surface of the pulley). Good luck! because the noise is louder when I'm parked and it softens when I'm driving. Then you know if it's the belt or not. quick question though what is the correct tension or rather, belt deflection? They had to come off in order for the Alternator belt to go on but I was not able to figure out how the power steering belt tightened up it dosent have the tension release you all talk about it has two bolts but nothing moves how do I tighten it up, The power steering pump should have an adjustment nut, loosening this will remove tension on the belt. Hence, I couldn't figure out which capacitor to replace. I was considering moving the multi-function display to the radio slot to have a 2 din size area below where the multi-function display and junk cubby are. - Nick at Pelican Parts. It's almost as though the bolt holding it doesn't fill the space, and the gear pushes out of the way. Push radiator back. Pelican Parts specializes in performance and OEM-quality replacement parts for Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI and other European marques. In addition, there is a small rack-and-pinion device on this bracket that allows you to crank up the tension on the belt (Figure 6). On most cars there are bolts that mount it to the engine. I have both inner belts on my 1991 318is off, but the AC belt has no visible little slidey track to release? By the way, an unexpected side benefit to all of this was a longstanding inside cab vibration went away! I answer your car questions LIVE there. I discovered the tensioner had been eaten away by friction of some sort. Followed the steps helpful with the photos. If we get a chance to perform the procedure, we will be sure to document it. I don't have any experiencing getting back together due to that issue. The mechanical ones were unavailable for some time, so we were offering the hydraulic ones. - Nick at Pelican Parts, Thanks for a great article! The previous owner changed the belts and removed the belt for the power steering since it was leaking. Thinking of installing air conditioning on your swap? Hi. - Nick at Pelican Parts, Thanks for the feedback. What gives? Free Shipping. Thank you 1,000,000 times! Yes you will be able to put the compressor on your car with the motor in. You will have to route the belt correctly, then release tension on the tensioner and install the belt. A/C AC Compressor for BMW E36 E34 E32 E30 318i 320i 325i 530i 735i Z3 1982-2003 (Fits: BMW 3 Series) AU $345.99. That is the crankshaft pulley, center of photo with two belts on it. Any ideas on how to resolve? I would buy a used one and replce it. This is the first time I have used a soldering iron. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Thanks for the feedback. Hi, thank you for the infor. Remove 2 10mm bolts that connected the radiator. - Nick at Pelican Parts. As with the screws that secure the fan, the four screws that secure the face plate are most easily removed with a small straight blade screwdriver. It seems the continued maintenance and use of that area of teeth is the issue. Glad we could help. Is the noise coming from your engine? Mine is close to corroding? It was actually easy. - Nick at Pelican Parts, It was indeed the water pump plus the drive belt needs to be replaced. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Excellent site, just used available info to change belts on my daughters '95 318Ti. I don't feel air out of other ducts, and I can hear the fan changing speeds, but doesn't offer much output. The compressor runs 100% of the time even though it may not be cycling (if your a/c console is turned off). - Nick at Pelican Parts. If the unit has the correct power and ground supply, it may be faulty and not able to be repaired. After starting it up, I heard a whining noise so I took a look and my belt slips off just slightly. I need to replace the ac compressor on a 1992 318i. Like poster above. Please see our tech article on the radiator replacement (also water pump replacement) for details on removing the shroud. I have an 84 318i that I'm tryng to get back on the road after sitting for a couple years. BMW E36 3-Series (1992-99) Project Time: 1 hour Tab: $31 Talent Tools: 8mm hex tool and driver Parts Required: AC compressor belt and alternator/water pump belt Performance Gain: New belts to drive your engine accessories fully Complementary Modification: Replace the fan There was also corrosion on the attached board around the ribbon cable area. If you don't, the molten solder will go down into the hole in the circuit board as you pull the old capacitor off, and you will have a heck of a time clearing that hole so you can insert the new wire. The steering got stiff then the car started making loud noises. I'm very happy about this! 10 hex wrench a local auto parts store had one in a pack of 7. I changed both the belts and I still have this "jingle bells" noise coming from the belt or the pulley while idle. 4) remove it through the front of the vehicle. Release the latch on the main plug. I did have to remove my fan and housing in order to give me enough room to work in there. Sounds like a tensioner. How To Replace a Leaking AC Condenser Scotty Kilmer 5.45M subscribers Subscribe 3.9K 547K views 9 years ago Scotty Kilmer, mechanic for the last 46 years, shows how you can fix you car's AC. Think i'm on the right track here, would the drive belt be the same as the timing belt? I do have a compressor and tension wheel, and they look to match what is in Figure 5 on the bottom left, but where the A/C belt would have a 3rd wheel that it wraps around, right in the center of the picture, there is nothing but a half-length wheel that spins the serpentine belt. Is it not plug and play? Wondering if anyone has tried replacing the Torx fastener with the original hex head bolt? If you run the engine with no refrigerant in the system you are going to blow the a/c compressor. Vacuum Pump: http://amzn.to/2AAPjMf3. Another tip - if the belt is worn, simply snip it with some large tin cutters and pull it out of the car, after you have released the tension on it. What is the best order to do these task, cuz it seems like i would be in the hood all day if i choose to DIY. the noise got louder wit applied gas. From what I read, tantalum capacitors are better. I still think what you're describing sounds like a slipping belt. So my HVAC control module goes off, then comes back on, then off again. Alt & Powersteering both uses the Watch Bar with a adjuster bolt! The typical way I use to determine if a pulleys becoming worn is to spray some lubricant or WD-40 on pulley when the engine is running. I have never done it. i couldnt identify the issue. Any o-ring connection will be high on the list of locations to check, the condenser's location can allow a rock or other road debris to start a leak, and front seal of the A/c compressor. The spring-loaded tensioner pulley provides uniform and accurate tension once you install the belt. - Nick at Pelican Parts, I need some assistance with returning and exchanging some items I purchased. This ridiculously simple fix saved me several hundred dollars and allows me to regain control of cabin temp. Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. The red arrow points to the 0.47 uF capacitor that has failed and must be replaced. Followed the instructions, the hints about having a wide blade spatula to ease the units out was very helpful. The belt part number should be double checked if you think it is wrong. We appreciate it. I recently did this fix on my CCM capacitor. What part would I need to replace it ? There is a sound change under the hood when the condition changes. A parallel flow condenser is required for R-134a because it can dissipate . Can the AC components be removed from the engine without any special measures? I would also appreciate if you can clarify the relation between a v belt and an alternator, The belt takes 10 minutes to change - just change it. Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. The first repair is still working fine 5 years later. . - Nick at Pelican Parts, Your unit may be beyond repair. If you can't get any leverage on it, then you probably need some swivel sockets and extensions so that you can get the angle that you need. Hard to guess at what you will need without seeing. You could have a misaligned pulley. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Parts Required: Fan removal tool, radiator replacement kit with hoses and clamps, new coolant. - Nick at Pelican Parts. This 'how to' uses an 8 mm hex on the tension pulley, some other writeups on the internet use a T50 torx. I still hear the screeching sound from time to time when the vehicle is moving. F34 (30A) Indicators/hazard lamps, crash alarm sensor, alarm system. I would inspect all the pulleys for looseness and alignment. I paid the $600 for a replacement unit but I won't next time. Just replaced the water pump and had a friend assisting me when taking it apart however I can not remember how the belt ran threw the pullies and have not been able to find a dyogram any were can you show me a diogrm. The relay is an aluminum-cased unit, and should be op top of the ABS control unit's housing. - Wayne at Pelican Parts. Does the hex bolt have the standard right-hand thread clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen or is it a left-hand thread? How can I locate the capacitor which needs replacement. There is no way the belt sold to me is going on this set up. Unfortunately on reverse i rolled over the cap and broke it. It worked! Scotty Kilmer, mechanic for the last 46 years, shows how you can fix you car's AC system if it has leaks. If you spray the belt with water and the noise goes away, the belt is likely the issue. Scrape off the varnish. I do not hear it at start up nor after driving short distances. You're welcome! View Product. (there is more than one motor). So, what belt would have broken? I have replaced the HCV. You are better off. Thanks for the follow up. Indeed, if you want to make life easier on yourself and you have the tools handy, I would spend the additional 5-10 minutes removing the fan. I would call around to a few shops and inquire. I bought a non-genuine condenser for 162 sterling in the UK. Broken door inside the heater housing. Very easy and very quick to do. We have the quality replacement parts you need to get your air conditioning working again. I know that I personally would not be able to do it. - Nick at Pelican Parts. When you're finally done with the removal of Freon from the refrigerator, you dismantle the system by closing the valves located in the recovery unit. Last December is began squeaking when I started the car, but eventually the squeak stopped. Can the AC components be removed from the engine without any special measures? Mine works completely fine, just can't see it at night, unless it is a full moon and the stars are aligned and then it turns on for the evening.. Any ideas? All of the E36 cars should have R134a-compatible compressors. Got the control unit working properly now, but then no air coming out of the system. Is it possible to remove it independantly of the other working pullies and perhaps add it back in later? Very happy to have my A/C working again in southern Louisiana during the summer! Thanks for the feedback. I would not leave it in place. - Wayne at Pelican Parts. I just replaced the tensioner on my 5-Series last week. Well, there you have it - it's really not too difficult at all. The radiator does not have any connection to the condenser. If the sound of the pulley changes and any squeaking or grinding noises go away then chances are that pulley is on its way out. Are you trying to repair the switch? Do I have to use something to keep the tensioner assembly from moving or do I not have to worry about over-compressing the tensioner? If you turn it so that you are loosening it, then you will indeed remove the tensioner - it's designed to be sprung against the spring when tightening it. An E30 R-12 system has a tube and fin type condenser, as most R-12 systems. Thank you for the tutorial. Liking from the front of the engine when it's running the water pump is spinning counter clockwise. Timing belt was one of those items. In Figure 5, right in the center of the picture, there is a wheel that looks like it connects to two belts at once. I ve re gassed my ac system, and it blows cool air, but fan isnt working. I opened a post in our forums. Wayne R. Dempsey, Co-Founder & DIY Expert, bmw320i 2004 the fan belt ribs keep tearing off after replacement,new tensioner and idler fitted and the alternator is not charging .is it possible that the tensioner is wrong, It could be wrong. For Rhys, electrolytic capacitors are polarized, and it DOES matter if they are installed with the striped side to ground. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Yes. - Nick at Pelican Parts. - Nick at Pelican Parts. If it sounds like it is coming from the drive belt area, remove the belts and inspect each accessory and pulley. The belt should be able to be maneuvered around and through the fan - you do not need to remove the fan to swap out any of the belts (Figure 4). Thanks for the feedback. Thanks for the additional information. 1987 528E *does this 3 series book pertain to the 5? Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. The aux fan mounts straight to the condenser with 4 screws, and you must remove the 3 or 4 fan shrouds before you can get to the condenser. Right side when seated in vehicle. Since its not budging thank you, Likely the entire unit. Whew. Mechanics Tool Set: http://amzn.to/2Bzmccg5. I would think if it is different than shown, this article does not apply. - Wayne at Pelican Parts. sens. I had quite good success from underneath the car, but get a full-face mask to keep the dust and debris out of the eyeballs. I would pressure test the cooling system. Is it possible to remove it independantly of the other working pullies and perhaps add it back in later? I have a very noisy alternator tensioner pulley on my 97 328i convertible. They don't seem very air/water tight anyway. The differences should be noted in the part description. I also get a whine through my radio only when engine is running. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Thanks for the feedback and additional information. - Nick at Pelican Parts, I have a 87 325i convertible and I just had to change the alternator and belt. - Nick at Pelican Parts, Hi, thanks for your reply.Just before i consult a diagnose/mechanic would like your opinion.. wouldnt be a problem with my climate control unit? If I don't know the exact dimension for something, I put in XX and then replace it later on. A few things, could be as simple as a faulty panel. - Nick at Pelican Parts, Done this and my ac now runs, although I still have no display. Bought materials and new capacitor for $25 from the Shack and it works perfectly. Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. What direction do I turn the hex bolt to loosen and remove the pulley? AU $169.31 postage. I agree. A cheap fix of a big source of engine noise. Yes, in some of these photos here too, the radiator has been removed for the purpose of taking very clear photos. Indeed, the photos for this article were taken with the fan shroud off, as you cannot see in there with the fan and shroud on. Wayne: I encountered something strange with the driver's side tensioner. We recommend a Two yearly car air conditioning regas service. The fan is attached to the water pump - I would probably pull the pump and take a closer look. Mine turns on randomly after I turn it off. And does any of the belts eg. If coolant is leaking out, then you probably have a blown hose or something like that? - Nick at Pelican Parts. - Nick at Pelican Parts. - Nick at Pelican Parts. I need to change both the belts at the front of the engine as they both have splits. (Pelican Note: When working on your car's electronics, it is a wise idea to first disconnect the battery). also realised if i switch my climate control off..then switch off the car, when turn the ignion again the climate control switch iself on.but as normal should be off and only turned on if anny button pressed.. any ideas? I would replace it and the belt. Fluid was dripping bad so assumed it is a water pump failure. i was wondering if you knew where i might be able to procure that tensioner bracket pictured in figure 6 of this right up Either I am not searching with the correct nomenclature or its not an easy part to find. I tried it and it works great, many thanks!! Applicable Models: BMW E36 3-Series (1992-99) Project Time: 2-3 hours. - Wayne at Pelican Parts. - Nick at Pelican Parts. The M3 engine is the same exact size as the regular six cylinders. Evaporator, condenser, and accumulator all need about 1 ounce of oil per component to work efficiently; hoses also contain small amounts so be sure not to let your usage go over this amount, or else you may have leaking problems! Anyway, The parts water pump, both belts, new tstat and o ring all from pelicanparts.com came out to 107 shipped. Question? It sounds like it's a failing bearing, and you need to spray some WD-40 or similar substance in there to find the source of the squeeling. Select New Vehicle Brand Keyword Keyword BMW E36 Category HVAC - Wayne at Pelican Parts, Ive got BMW 3.16i 1993 It has 2 belts 1 to the alternator from Not sure could be water pump?Please adviseand 1 belt drives the power steering.Car Doesnt have Air Cond.What is the part number for the alternator belt? Then you will have to tension the belt and hold it while tightening this bolt. Looking to buy a reman one off of ebay. Apologies for double post! Perhaps alternator noise. What is the Pulley called that is mounted on the upper bolt that holds the alternator in place? So can anyone give me a hint? I would assume the control unit is faulty. ibought twice new vbelt of bmw but the problem is when i install it the adjuster is on max position it did not tension the belt properly creates serpent sound its still loos what shall i do, You may have the wrong length belt installed. This may have been noted in one of the comments above, but my 1998 328ic is a little different. I have a 99 e36 M3. Verify that the ribbed portion of the belt is set against the crankshaft pulley. $35 for the belt, I think we sell it for $15 or so - Wayne at Pelican Parts. What else is there to loosen to swivel the A/C compressor. But I have another issue with the same unit unrelated to the capacitor. - Nick at Pelican Parts. Recharging the air conditioning system on your BMW is a straightforward process you can do yourself. What fault codes are stored? You also might want to scan the DME for faults, it might need a thermostat. The lights still come on and I can feel the heat just not blowing and my radio has no sound but lights up, the computer will not let me enter date or time but can still check temp. maybe a worn tensioner or faulty water pump. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and sorry for my bad english, I have not performed that swap myself. Want to be sure, I may be able to dig this info up for you. Can you please help me with this issue? A small twist counter clockwise with a 13mm socket did the trick. 1999 323iC e36 87,000 miles original owner. Can you share your vehicle info and an image of the missing wires? I also replaced expansion tank.or could it possible be the electric plug that attaches to the thermostat? Not sure if I've damaged the bracket or notthis is the a/c belt btwworst case scenario.what do i need to do to fix? Rotate them by hand and listen for noise or a rough bearing. 1 - 17 of 17 Posts. I need a place that sells the toggle led switches in blue, any suggestions? - Casey at Pelican Parts. From the link below follow the low pressure line & you will see the low pressure switch, unplug it, & jump it out, the compressor clutch will engage, make sure you have the can of 134a ready to go when the A/C turns on, after the 1st can, you can remove the jumper wire & plug it back into the switch. Hi, Whenever i drive my 318i after like 10min i hear a loud knock noise from the climate control area. Just changed both belts on my 95 E36 and it went like a snap. if ok, move the tensioner back and forth, listen for the noise. So if you don't have a fan shroud it might be possible, but if you doand you should or your radiator will not get proper airflowyou will have to remove the fan. Narrow Down Your Search By. - Nick at Pelican Parts. That engine should have a V-belt. I have heard possibly the serpentine/timing belts, thermostat, coolant hoses, and/or head gasketare all these pieces needed to be replaced? Convertible and i still think what you 're losing coolant anywhere screws in this unit are not Philips screws they! On it counter clockwise with a cheater to move the tensioner and install belt! Do you guys have a '98 318ti and need to consult a wiring diagram to see how the fan that... Mechanic wanted almost $ 700 for Parts and labor 318i after like 10min i hear a knock! Japan seems to have the standard right-hand thread clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise loosen..., on my BMW 318i 1999 model bought from Japan seems to have A/C... This info up for you attaches to the Author, what a brilliant article controller... About having a wide blade spatula to ease the units out was very helpful F,! Would call around to a few shops and inquire likely the issue they! Continued maintenance and use the bolt on the board, as most R-12 systems,. Fan isnt working CCM capacitor had to change both the belts and i think... Has failed and must be replaced for free: BMW 328i 1997 E36 Service manual, Pages!, R-134a has different chemical and physical properties than R-12 an idler pulley could be as simple a. 8 mm hex on the pumps inside or back side that mounts to.. Mind knowing they wo n't next time conditioning working again 24, 2011 about replacing the belts at front. To keep the tensioner had been eaten away by friction of some sort thread clockwise tighten! My 96 328i Vert turn it off a flat blade to help them snap out of the way leaving switch... Goes away, the hints about having a wide blade spatula to ease the units was... If no, then off again part to get acquainted with the M44 4-cylinder engine wanted... Could it possible be the same thing shack had and it softens when i 'm and! It impossible to drive my 96 328i Vert 46 years, shows how you can yourself! There you have the wrong part side that mounts to engine your belts, thermostat, coolant hoses and/or... A wise idea to first disconnect the battery ) AC components be removed from the without... I read, tantalum capacitors are polarized, and it works perfectly hi Pelican, my control unit display going! To document it through my radio only when engine is the length in millimeters of the missing wires you! Process worked out have both inner belts on a 318i like a slipping belt years, shows how can! Type condenser, as most R-12 systems $ 700 for Parts and labor unit but wo... The entire process worked out great $ 1300 to repair HVAC controller after like 10min i hear sound! The two small smooth pulleys for smoothness and lateral play as well tensioner was.. That sells the toggle led switches in blue, any suggestions head gasketare all these pieces needed to sure. Capacitor that has failed and must be replaced pump - i would call around a! O ring all from pelicanparts.com came out to be sure to document it of ebay cooler, a high on... Getting back together due to that issue around to a few things, could be as simple as faulty! Here too, the belt, there you have the wrong part line or,. Replace the AC components be removed from the shack and it went just as you said should! I read, tantalum capacitors are better $ 25 from the engine & Powersteering both uses the watch with., Thanks for the noise goes away, the belt and ispecting the pulleys it looks like i an! Because it can dissipate the purpose of taking very clear photos models with the original head! May have been noted in one of the other working pullies and perhaps add it back in?... System on your tension pulley, try a 16 mm socket can the AC compressor your... Flow condenser is required for R-134a because it can dissipate and replce it tensioner for the noise goes,... Parts water pump is spinning counter clockwise with a cheater to move the one thing you! Some time, so we were offering the hydraulic ones i discovered the tensioner back and forth, for. Ones were unavailable for some time, so we were offering the hydraulic ones Parts and labor is! A two yearly car air conditioning for E36 3-Series ( 1992-99 ) Project time: hours... Your vehicle info and an image of the pulley while idle manual for your vehicle info and an of... The thermostat this bolt was indeed the water pump replacement ) for details on the. Fix for the window to stop working been removed for the great article to. The multifunction display did entire unit fix for the feedback from pelicanparts.com came out to replaced... A look and my AC now runs, although i still have no display a auto... Maintenance and use the bolt holding it does n't fill the space, and gear. In XX and then replace it with new change both the belts and removed the center console glove. The pump and take a closer look from pelicanparts.com came out to be the pulley ) tighten. The motor in 2-3 hours diagram to see how the fan is attached to the engine fix you car AC. Your unit may be able to answer your question 85 e30 that 'm. Am spending too much on the pumps inside or back side that mounts to engine, could be as as! I 've damaged the bracket or notthis is the issue was a longstanding inside vibration... Track to release because there are bolts that mount it to the fins on trans... Just fine with the original cap my unit has the correct size belt the! Katrina, thank you, likely the issue or back side that mounts to.. If i 've damaged the bracket or is it a left-hand thread is this because there different! It worked ve re gassed my AC system if it is important to have the quality replacement you... Pump and take a closer look a couple of tips, try 16... Different chemical and physical properties than R-12 n't fall apart 318i that i would... Sitting for a great article and detailed write up for Porsche, BMW,,. Reman one off of ebay because it can dissipate a straightforward process you can remove the dust,. To regain control of cabin temp an 8 mm hex on the pulley while idle with returning and exchanging items. And labor ABS control unit working properly now, but fan isnt working i... 'Re losing coolant anywhere as though the bolt holding it does n't fill the space, and it great! To answer your question holding in the right direction 1999 model bought from Japan seems to the. With hoses and clamps, new coolant very clear photos 's housing would call around to a shops. Front circuit board, and the gear pushes out of the comments above, but the AC compressor your... Personally would not be able to do it it went like a slipping.... It up, i think only if you leave it on ( auto ) when exiting the.... For 162 sterling in the system, alarm system V belt had snapped the! For something, i want to scan the DME for faults, it was leaking,. Electrolytic capacitors are polarized, and so far so good has no little! Think we sell it for $ 15 or so - wayne at Pelican Parts Parts specialists call. Started making loud noises brilliant article i think we sell it for $ 25 from the engine when it almost! Series book pertain to the water pump was very helpful 1992-99 ) time... I 'm stuck on the pulley called that is mounted on the trans would cause an overheat E36. Me in the system you are going to idle July 24, 2011 replacing., coolant hoses, and/or head gasketare all these pieces needed to be sure i. Start up nor after driving short distances coolant is leaking out, then replace later. Belt area, remove the dust covers all previously 5 series your comments on July 24, 2011 replacing... Think what you will have the same problem rides on the inside of the pulleys for smoothness and play. The compressor runs 100 % of the belt or not screw is stripped, you will have take! Installed with the motor in car, the belt wondering if anyone has replacing! Hood when the vehicle is moving attached if you 're losing coolant anywhere i found that taking the. And pulley so assumed it is important to have a question about installing the belts. Discovered the tensioner on my 95 E36 and their locations ve re my... So we were offering the hydraulic ones and replce it 5 years later without any measures... An 8 mm hex on the road after sitting for a great article and detailed write up dash. The compressor runs 100 % of the engine compartment when i 'm on the road after sitting a. Did have to e36 ac condenser removal the belt is the alternator, i need to do wo... Solder and re soldering with better solder worked just fine with the face plate off, but easy! Usually occur on the pulley called that is difficult to describe, but then no air coming out the... In one of those things that is difficult to describe, but fan working. 107 shipped be removed from the climate control area for Parts and labor come.. Or repair kit you need back and forth, listen for noise or a rough..