Compressor Runs Continuously

[radiosteve]

RE: 1983 E28 533i

My A/C compressor suddenly started running continuously, even without A/C switch on. Blows cold air through cracks in console without A/C button on. Temperature control seems to have no effect (either with A/C on or off).

Any thoughts as to cause?

Steve

[Scany]

Im no expert on ACs, or cars for that matter. But isn't there a clutch in the AC that is being controlled by the switch? So then I guess it's could be the switch or the clutch. Try listening to the compressor when hitting the switch. You might hear it trying to work the clutch..

Just my 2 cents..

[Whitewolf]

Mine did this (96 m3) but it was because of the infamous control panel and required me to solder in a new capacitor.

Don't think you would have the same issue though on an 83 as I believe the technology was different.

Bill

[radiosteve]

Turns out that Scany was right - it was the clutch on the compressor. We solved it by cutting the belt until I can find the time and $$ to replace the compresssor.

Thanks!

[Scany]

Good to hear you found the cause.