Problems with AC

[demq]

Hi Guys!
I have a question about my car's ( 87 325e) AC. It wasn't working when I got the car ( there was supposingly a small hole in the lining), but I've decided to charge the system to give it a try. It turned out that the system still works, but the funny thing is that I have to keep pressing on the snow-flake button. As soon as I leave it, the AC turnes off. Do you have any idea what is it all about? Is it just the button or something is wrong in the system so it shuts off by itself??
Your help will be very appreciated( it's beginning to get hot in Virginia, and the beach season is starting!!! )

 

[nadroj]

does the botton stay in when you push it or does it come right out after you push it, if it comes out when you push it then you can get a touth pick and stick in between the botton and the side of the hole and push the botton in so the botton stays down.

 

[demq]

The button dosen't stay in, it comes right out. If it is just a button problem I will replace it. I just want to make sure, since I haven't operated the AC at all on this car before.

 

[pauld]

demq, do you know if your compressor clutch is engaging??
my snow-flake button will stay in and light up but my compressor does not enage. the fresh air button under it will not stay in though. my system still has pressure so I hope one day to get it going.
anyone know if the switch could be the place to start??

 

[vlad]

Those buttons fail pretty regularly. I have read articles on cleaning the botton, but if I remember, the button is in the neighborhood of $50. (don't quote me on that price)

 

[mjbst111]

yeah sometimes my button doesn't engage. I found that if i give it a quick solid jab it will stay in.

 

[demq]

When I press the button the clutch is definitely engaging, since I see that the
engine Idle rises, and if I keep it pressed the cooled air starts to flow, so the system works. I found the buttons on the net, they are expensive (about $ 50-60), so I think I'd better find a new GF, so she would keep it pressed while I am driving.. ....

 

[pauld]

my idle will also rise a little but my clutch is not engaging and I get warm air.
I have emissions issues at the moment but once I get a good sticker I'll start messing with it.