Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Automatic HVAC System All sections

A/c Heater Systems - E36: Other BMW 3 series E46

Automatic HVAC System 2 illustrations ~292 words

Air Conditioning Button

Air conditioning is switched on by push button located on right side of control panel. see scheme 1 A/C system will operate only at temperatures greater than 37°F (3°C) with engine on. At least one air outlet must be open when operating A/C system, to prevent evaporator freeze-up.

Blower Control Button

Blower control button allows volume of air entering passenger compartment to be varied. Airflow increases as "+" side of button is depressed, and decreases as "-" side of button is depressed. If "-" side of button is depressed at minimum blower speed, all data disappears from display. Blower, heater, and A/C are deactivated, and flow of outside air is switched off.

Recirculated Air Button

Pushing recirculated air button cuts off outside airflow.

Temperature Control Button

Temperature control buttons determine temperature of air entering driver-side or passenger-side compartments. Pressing left side of button will decrease air temperature. Pressing right side of button will increase air temperature. Driver and front passenger can select individual temperature ranges.

Accessing Input Signals

  1. Automatic A/C-heater control panel can display 12 input signals. To access signals, simultaneously press AUTO and rear defogger buttons. Press fan rocker button to toggle through displays. See «A/C-HEATER CONTROL UNIT INPUT SIGNALS»(ref-149611-S29793366282002101600000) table.
  2. To exit A/C-heater control panel display, simultaneously press recirculated air and AUTO buttons, or turn ignition off. For identifying A/C-heater control panel connector terminals and related inputs, grounds and outputs, see «A/C-HEATER CONTROL UNIT CONNECTOR TERMINAL IDENTIFICATION»(ref-149611-S24424174942002101600000) table. (Scheme 18)and (Scheme 19).
Test No.Signal
1Interior Temperature Sensor (1)
2Exterior Temperature Sensor (1)
3Left Heater Core Temperature Sensor (1)
4Right Heater Core Temperature Sensor (1)
5Evaporator Temperature Sensor (1)
6Engine RPM Input
7Vehicle Speed Input
8"Y" Factor Value
9Fresh Air Flap Position In Percent (2)
10AUC Sensor Voltage (If Equipped)
11Battery Voltage
12Software Version
(1) Temperatures are displayed in degrees Celsius. (2) Decimal point is not displayed (995 equals 99.5).
(1)Temperatures are displayed in degrees Celsius.
(2)Decimal point is not displayed (995 equals 99.5).

A/C-HEATER CONTROL UNIT INPUT SIGNALS

Connector Terminal No.Signal TypeDescription
1InputExterior Temperature Sensor
2InputEvaporator Temperature Sensor
3InputLeft Heater Core Temperature Sensor
4InputRight Heater Core Temperature Sensor
5InputVSS Signal To Instrument Cluster
6InputEngine RPM
7Input
8Output"Y" Factor Value
9InputStarter
10OutputRPM Signal Increase
11OutputA/C Pressure Switch
12OutputRear Window
13OutputRight Water Valve Activation
14OutputFresh Air Flap Motor Activation
15OutputFresh Air Flap Motor Activation
16OutputFresh Air Flap Motor Activation
17OutputFresh Air Flap Motor Activation
18OutputLeft Water Valve Activation
19OutputAuxiliary A/C Condenser Fan Activation
20InputIndependent Ventilation
21GroundControl Panel
22GroundAir Mixing Actuator
23GroundControl Panel
24InputVoltage (Switched)
25InputVoltage (Hot Always)
26Input/OutputData Link Connector
(1) See WIRING DIAGRAMS for corresponding wire colors.
(1)See WIRING DIAGRAMS for corresponding wire colors.

A/C-HEATER CONTROL UNIT CONNECTOR TERMINAL IDENTIFICATION (1)

Scheme 18

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

Scheme 19

EVAPORATOR & EXPANSION VALVE

Note. It may be necessary to remove glove box assembly from vehicle to access evaporator core. see scheme 6