BMW 528xi Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(13)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(13)

Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection Service

How much does a Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 528xi Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection is $105 with $0 for parts and $105 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2008 BMW 528xiL6-3.0LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$124.99Shop/Dealer Price$139.69 - $150.72
Show example BMW 528xi Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection prices

For most of us, turning on the AC on a hot summer day is a relief. Cooled air fills the cabin and you’re able to relax and drive comfortably. However, if your car surges with the AC on, then there’s definitely a problem that needs to be hunted down and repaired.

How this system works:

First, understand that this problem isn’t tied to just one system – it’s a combination of different things. When your AC turns on, it puts a load on the engine (the engine is responsible for turning the compressor, which builds pressure in the system, which allows low-pressure, gaseous refrigerant to be turned into high-pressure liquid and used in your cooling system.

When the engine is put under a load by the AC system, the car’s computer automatically attempts to compensate for that by adjusting the idle. If there is carbon buildup within any part of the system, including the idle air control valve, throttle body, or possibly even the EGR valve, it can cause surging. The car’s computer essentially miscalculates the amount of power necessary, and ends up overshooting, leading to a surging engine.

Any problem with the AC system can also exacerbate this condition. For instance, if the system is low on refrigerant, the compressor will kick on more often, causing the surging to increase in frequency (if not in intensity).

Common reasons for this to happen:

Carbon Buildup: A number of engine components are subject to carbon buildup over time, and this can place a significant load on the engine. When the additional load of your AC compressor is added, it causes the computer to miscalculate and increase idle speed too much. Common sources of carbon buildup include the IAC valve, the EGR valve, and the throttle body.

  • Low Refrigerant in the AC System: If your AC system is low on refrigerant, it will make the compressor cycle on more frequently, increasing the load on your engine.

  • Failing AC Compressor: If your AC compressor is beginning to fail, this can also add to the surging problem.

  • Bad Belt: One often overlooked cause of a car surging with the AC on is actually a worn compressor belt. If the belt is stretched or worn smooth, it can slip during operation. This places significant strain on the engine and the AC system. Replacing the belt often eliminates the surge, and ensures better AC operation.

  • Bad AC Cycling Switch: The AC cycling switch controls the compressor cycling pattern. Over time, it can go bad. When this happens, it will place a significant load on the engine and can lead to surging.

  • Overfilled AC System: While low refrigerant can cause problems with your AC and engine surging, an overfilled system can cause the same problem. Refrigerant must be “just right” or you will experience a number of different problems.

What to expect:

Our professional mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to inspect the engine and the air conditioning system. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect the AC system, as well as the vehicle’s engine. A test drive may be necessary if the surging only occurs when the car is in drive. The mechanic will check the car’s refrigerant level, as well as other possible causes, such as the AC cycling switch.

How important is this service?

If your engine is surging while the AC is on, it’s a sign that there’s something wrong. Driving without the air conditioner might solve it at least temporarily, but this is only a short-term fix. The actual problem must be addressed. One of our professional mechanics can inspect and diagnose your problem, and then provide a repair that ensures your engine runs smoothly and that your AC system works correctly.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(13)

Rating Summary
10
0
0
0
3
10
0
0
0
3

Andrew

11 years of experience
872 reviews
Andrew
11 years of experience
BMW 528xi L6-3.0L - Coolant is leaking - Kansas City, Missouri
I just love when he works on my car

Joe

15 years of experience
21 reviews
Joe
15 years of experience
BMW 528xi L6-3.0L - Valve Cover Gasket - Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
I was well pleased with my mechanic, Joe today. He called and came on time, professional as well as polite answered all questions asked... Yes I'm quite satisfied and have already given recommendations!!!! He also showed me the old piece then told me the problem with it....

Daniel

11 years of experience
76 reviews
Daniel
11 years of experience
BMW 528xi L6-3.0L - Battery - Chicago, Illinois
Nice guy, informative, prompt and friendly. He seems passionate about his work.

Brikk

18 years of experience
389 reviews
Brikk
18 years of experience
BMW 528xi L6-3.0L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Gastonia, North Carolina
Overall good experience would like to keep Brikk as my mechanic.

Excellent Rating

(13)

Rating Summary
10
0
0
0
3
10
0
0
0
3
Number of BMW 528xi services completed
143+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

5 Essential Things to Know About Luxury Vehicles
There’s There’s something to be said about the looks and offerings of luxury vehicles, but appearances can always be deceiving. If you’re considering buying a luxury car, there are a few things you need to know before you make your...
How to Renew Your Car Registration in Pennsylvania
Having Having a car is essential for most Pennsylvania residents. In order to use the roadways of this great state, you will need to make sure that your car is registered with the Pennsylvania DMV. Each year you will need...
The Traveler’s Guide to Driving in Malaysia
CraigBurrows / Shutterstock.com Malaysia is a popular destination for many tourists today. The country has amazing sights and attractions (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293951-Activities-Malaysia.html) that you will want to explore. You may want to check out the Ethnology Museum, or the...

oil pan threads are damaged

I would use a fluid extractor to drain the fluid out through the dip stick hole and then replace the oil filter and refill the oil. By doing it this way you can change the oil without removing the oil...

When the electric power steering system warning comes on, the car immediately loses gas and slows to a halt.... why does it do th

Hi there. Are there any other lights illuminated? When the EPS light does come on, the electric steering system has detected a fault and can cause the vehicle to proceed into what may seem like a limp mode; we wouldn't...

2002 Elantra: ratting, sudden loss of power and stalling! Pls help stuck on a mountain.

It sounds like you may have a cooling system leak that may have caused a hose to burst. The more concerning question is the brown colored coolant that came from the leaking hose. This often times indicates that there may...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com