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E53 Speedo cluster / Air Con

Discuss the problems with your X5 (E53).
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texas_pete
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E53 Speedo cluster / Air Con

Post by texas_pete » Mon Jul 25, 2016 6:00 pm

Hi all.
Managed to save up and treat ourselves to an X5. Always wanted one and i'm not dissapointed.

I do have a couple of problems, i need some help with though.

1.  The display is cursed by the dreaded pixel failure. So I've got a set from ebay, in great condition.
Just fitted them and the display works perfect. Problem is, the abs lights and a hazard in the middle stay illuminated. Also, the computer under the radio doesn't work?
The new cluster is from an X5 diesel, same as mine but a 2006 where as mine is 2003.
It all plugs in fine and the dials all work as they should, just these warning lights.
Is there a setting to change?
I've changed the standard business head unit for an after market SatNav unit so not using the fuel computer part any more.

2.  When i got the X5, the air con wasn't working. After digging about, i found that the plug had come out that powers the electric clutch. Its been working great for the last few weeks but has now stopped.
I've used a tester and there is power going to the plug.
I've used a live feed to try and force it on but it seems the clutch just wont engage.
Question is: can the clutch pulley be swapped whilst the pump stays on the car? I could swap the pump but then id have to have it re-gassed.
Its a 3.0d and the aircon pump is burried!  Any one done it, or can advise?

Thanks in advance for any help.

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X5Sport
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Re: E53 Speedo cluster / Air Con

Post by X5Sport » Mon Jul 25, 2016 6:23 pm

There might be differences between the two, or it could just be the battery off error.  Trying turning full lock to full lock with the engine running.

As far as the A/C goes, what is the gas level?  If it is too low then the system will not run.  If it was working, is there a gas leak and the pressure has dropped?  You also need to make sure the aux fan works as if either or both it and the pressure switch indicate an issue then the system will not engage the clutch.  Some of the system used pulsed signals so applying 12V DC will not work, it has to be a valid PWM signal.  The aux (electric) fan at the front of the engine is PWM not DC.  Does it turn on when the a/c is selected?  If not, and if you have checked the fuses then it may need replacement.

I have never seen a clutch offered separately from the compressor as it normally comes as a complete unit, but you might be lucky.
Last edited by X5Sport on Mon Jul 25, 2016 6:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
:ant: Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.

adambeevers
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Re: E53 Speedo cluster / Air Con

Post by adambeevers » Mon Jul 25, 2016 8:46 pm

Sounds like he's already tested the feed to the clutch.

May or may not be helpful,
but coming from a Ford dealership, yes you can buy the clutch separately and then shim it correctly onto the old compressor, if you can do this in place or not is anyones guess, I'd imagine not, plus the fact you normally need a 'special tool' to hold the pulley in place.

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