bretta 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2010 Car: 1997 E36 323i Sedan Auto with M52 Vanos Motor (Jap import). Problem: About 800 m from home yesterday, a/c stopped cooling (motor was running fine). This morning, car wouldn't fire into life. (Had to cycle to work - better for health anyway ) Motor turns over (slowly), but makes "wheezing/whirring" kind of noise. Checked a/c belt, and this appears ok (i.e unbroken). I couldn't check further as was by myself and could turn over motor while watching belt, etc. I have had similar problem with Nissan Maxima in past and it was the "diodes" in the altenator causing noise and non starting of car. I am looking at checking fuses when I get home this afternoon, and hopefully will be able to ceck if a/c and altenator are turning. Any suggestions as to likely problem? I realise it is difficult to suggest anything with scanty info, but would like to get ideas to try, or gather more information, when I'm not running late for work. Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted January 14, 2010 (edited) Jump start it with battery pack or jumper leads...then check the charge rate. Should be about 14 Volts + or - .2. If thats OK ...fit a new battery... if it wont start when you jump it, the ignition switch and starter will need to be checked, if you have the right tool to do this ... a multimeter Edited January 14, 2010 by *Glenn* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bretta 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2010 Jump start it with battery pack or jumper leads...then check the charge rate. Should be about 14 Volts + or - .2. If thats OK ...fit a new battery... if it wont start when you jump it, the ignition switch and starter will need to be checked, if you have the right tool to do this ... a multimeter Cheers Glenn. I should have also said that after a/c stopped cooling and I arrived home, there was a (faint) smell similar to burnt electrical components, etc - didn't have time at that stage to investigate further, unfortunately. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted January 14, 2010 Cheers Glenn. I should have also said that after a/c stopped cooling and I arrived home, there was a (faint) smell similar to burnt electrical components, etc - didn't have time at that stage to investigate further, unfortunately. Check alternator belt & charge rate first if it will start by jumping it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bretta 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2010 Check alternator belt & charge rate first if it will start by jumping it Will do, Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1265 Report post Posted January 15, 2010 Cheers Glenn. I should have also said that after a/c stopped cooling and I arrived home, there was a (faint) smell similar to burnt electrical components, etc - didn't have time at that stage to investigate further, unfortunately. i had a ac pump clutch burn up on my 325i a few years back , ac stoped working and i noticed a plastic buring smell , just swap the ac pump over for another used one and had it regased etc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bretta 0 Report post Posted January 15, 2010 i had a ac pump clutch burn up on my 325i a few years back , ac stoped working and i noticed a plastic buring smell , just swap the ac pump over for another used one and had it regased etc Cheers for that inf. I jumped the car, but it made no difference. However, after turning motor over for about 30 seconds in about 3 bursts, the pully in middle bottom was very hot. I presume this is water pump, with a/c compressor on left,and altenator on the right (looking from front) (and belt tensioner between middle and right). Should water pump turn freely if belt is loosened? Cheers, Brett Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted January 15, 2010 Cheers for that inf. I jumped the car, but it made no difference. However, after turning motor over for about 30 seconds in about 3 bursts, the pully in middle bottom was very hot. I presume this is water pump, with a/c compressor on left,and altenator on the right (looking from front) (and belt tensioner between middle and right). Should water pump turn freely if belt is loosened? Cheers, Brett Yes it should... ring me 021921377 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bretta 0 Report post Posted January 15, 2010 Yes it should... ring me 021921377Hi Glenn. I just had an assistant, and all pulleys seem to be turning. It almost wants to go, so maybe another problem. Can I call tomorrow morning about 9:00am? Thanks, Brett Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted January 15, 2010 Hi Glenn. I just had an assistant, and all pulleys seem to be turning. It almost wants to go, so maybe another problem. Can I call tomorrow morning about 9:00am? Thanks, Brett You can call any time on my mobile... I dont work on weekends though Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bretta 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2010 Thanks Glenn and Brent. I managed to disconnect the a/c belt, and car started ok - so a/c clutch was problem. Now, to get the unit replaced! Fortunately, I have a replacement driver's window lifter coming today (so I can fit this to have a bit more ventilation coming through!), but that is another story . Looks like it will be out with the grinder to remove old mounting bushings, unless someone else has a better method. Once again, thanks to the above 2 guys. Cheers, Brett Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JaseNZ 53 Report post Posted January 16, 2010 Yup those window regulators are a bitch to change out, That's why i just dropped mine off to the service center with a decent one from Brent and said ring me when its done Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
