A/C - Symptom Diagnostics

SI B64 04 07
Heating and Air Conditioning

April 2011
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B64 04 07 dated August 2010.

[NEW] designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Heating and Air Conditioning Symptom Diagnosis

MODEL
E82, E88 (1 Series)
E90, E91, E92, E93 (3 Series)
E60, E61 (5 Series)
E63, E64 (6 Series)
E70 (X5)
E71 (X6)
[NEW] E72 (Active Hybrid X6)
[NEW] FO1, F02, F04 (7 Series)
[NEW] F07 (5 Series Gran Turismo)
[NEW] F10 (5 Series)
[NEW] E89 (Z4)
[NEW] F25 (X3)

SITUATION

With the release of ISTA (Integrated Technical Service Application), fault symptom troubleshooting have now been expanded to include the heating and air conditioning system as it relates to mechanical and electromechanical faults. Always use the latest diagnostic software when performing fault symptom troubleshooting.

CAUSE

Due to the complexity of current vehicle systems and the use of distributed functions, it is becoming more difficult to test and repair these systems using straightforward fault code diagnosis. Also, in most cases, faults stored are not relevant when it comes to the actual customer complaint, even if a fault is present.

The information in symptom diagnosis was based on technician feedback and experiences in dealing with these symptoms.

[NEW] INFORMATION

1. Identify the exact customer complaint.

2. Perform a vehicle test using the latest diagnostic software.

3. After the vehicle test is finished, select "Display fault memory". Complete all test plans that are related to the customer complaint.

4. If no relevant faults are stored, search for test plans as follows:

^ Click on the "Activities/ Information / Function Structure" tabs.

^ Then select "Body/Heating and air conditioning functions"

^ Then click on "Start search".

^ This will generate a list of all the available test plans.

5. When diagnosing air conditioning system complaints, select test plan "AT6450_KAEKL or AT6450_KLIMA - Heating and air conditioning functions: Refrigerant circuit functional check, noises and smells", and then select "Display".

NOTE:
Depending on the vehicle connected to ISTA, the corresponding test plan "AT6450_KAEKL or AT6450_KLIMA" will be available in the test plan Hit list

If prompted by the test plan to perform an A/C performance test, refer to ISTA Repair Instruction REP 6450...A/C performance test (R134a) for the steps to perform an air conditioning performance test.

6. When diagnosing blower motor complaints, select test plan "B6450_PLXXXX - Heating and air conditioning functions: Blower, functional check and noise".

NOTE:
The "PLXXXX" number varies depending on the vehicle being repaired.

7. Select and complete all related test plans.

[NEW] WARRANTY INFORMATION
[NEW] This service information bulletin is intended to provide technical diagnostic and/or repair information only.

[NEW] If a warranty claim results from the above repairs, it should be submitted following the regular warranty claim procedures.

Warranty claims may be denied:

1. If not supported by diagnostic test plans (transferred via FASTA). Be sure to include the "Diagnostic code" in the comments section of the warranty claim.

2. If the latest diagnostic software is not used.