Air Conditioning/Fan comes on when I start the car by default.. normal?

[synenergy52]

This is annoying. Yes I searched. I'll turn the car off with fan OFF, and when I start the car up, a/c/FAN comes ON automatically.

[E36 Phantom]

Erm.......I know the E39 was programmed with whatever settings you set with the memory button and tied to the key. For the E36's, I wouldn't have thought they'd do that, but mine had the analog unit so iono on yours. Sorry man.

[C Sean Watts]

This is annoying. Yes I searched. I'll turn the car off with fan OFF, and when I start the car up, a/c/FAN comes ON automatically.

Chances are good that it's a replacement/rebuilt unit. Mine does it, too. There is a way to 'reprogram' it but it's not on my high priority list. If I find it, THEN can do the self-reach around that is the all holy 'search' function on this three ringed circus of a forum, I'll post it in this thread. In the mean time, switch key 'on'- turn fan 'off' - start engine - no chance of damage to electronics.

[heidifleiss]

My car has always had the a/c start as soon as I start the engine. I thought this was normal behavior for every car that was equipped with the 18 button OBD. So are you telling me that if I start my car with the fan/a/c on that I am doing damage to my electronics? How so?

[ProRail]

My car has always had the a/c start as soon as I start the engine. I thought this was normal behavior for every car that was equipped with the 18 button OBD. So are you telling me that if I start my car with the fan/a/c on that I am doing damage to my electronics? How so?

In a BMW the A/C doesn't engage until the engine is running. If the system is "on" (the default position) the fan will run at low speed until the system senses a need for a higher speed. The electronics are not at risk.

[synenergy52]

Last 3 posters--what are you talking about???

On a side note, it's unnecessary strain on the engine/compressor/aux fan if it comes on EVERY TIME I start the car and when I don't need it, i.e., mornings, cold weather, etc.

[C Sean Watts]

My car has always had the a/c start as soon as I start the engine. I thought this was normal behavior for every car that was equipped with the 18 button OBD. So are you telling me that if I start my car with the fan/a/c on that I am doing damage to my electronics? How so?

The climate control unit (NOT the analog type) are not what you would call robust. Anytime the starter is used there is a spike on the electrical system. It's actually in the manual "turn off accessories when starting or switching off the engine." - or something to that effect.

[C Sean Watts]

The electronics are not at risk.

rtfm

[zulio]

I thought it was just supposed to do it, but I have the same problem. I don't like it. Looking forward to a fix if anybody figures it out.

[johnf]

I believe a dealer can program the IHKA to start at a reduced fan speed. At least, I remember seeing such on screen on the DIS Tester when we were coding mine some years ago.

[jagass]

I think that is the way it was set...lol