Air conditioning

[cmr777]

Can anyone help.....Boxster A/C goes from 18 to Lo, at Lo it really isn't cold, just seems to be blowing and I have to open my window to get air if I haven't got the roof down. What I want to know, this being my first Porsche, changed from 3 convertibles last year, is "Lo" not really cold air, or could my car be needing a visit to the garage

 

[Mark Elder]

Assume you waited a few minutes (my car does not blow cold for 2 or 3 minutes if I start car and switch on max aircon straight away - but eventually does get nice and frosty).

If it never gets cold you probably need a re-gas. There are cheaper places to get this done that at the OPC.

 

[SteveW14]

For me "Lo" does produce cold air that you really feel. I presume you have tried having a/c on with the air recirculation switched on to see if this gets it any colder?

If not then agree probably needs regassing.

 

[cmr777]

OK, assuming it needs the gas topped up......where do I go for that which is not going to cost two major limbs?
Thanks in advance, C.

 

[Paul Fraser]

Mark Henderson, Autokool, 07770 732325/01324 815525
Did my 996 & Boxster last year, about £50 for each regas.
However, and you won't want to hear this, you almost certainly have a leak. Most probably from the condensers (look through the bumper into the corners -- the radiators there will have a dark patch) maybe the pipes running under the car on the offside.
Do a search here, boxa.net and renntech.org, it's a springtime regular.

 

[Paul Fraser]

No, try Eurocarparts for the cheapest ones (still about £300 iirc). There will be a bit of labour involved (Motortune in Shotts will probably be the cheapest but I did mine myself, as well as the piping under the car -- it is not that hard, just time consuming) as the bumper has to come off plus £50 for a refill. I'd also replace the drier (another £45).

 

[akwaugh]

Hi,
Similar problem, quoted just over £600 for complete job by Lorimer & Findlay in Glasgow (am I allowed to say that?). I have known Pete Lorimer for a long time, ex Porsche mechanic etc. Mind you, I don't know whether that was one a/c radiator or two - not too well up on the a/c in the boxster, never bothered to look to be honest, too busy driving it!! As Paul says it's not a job for the daint hearted, bumper off and all, so if you want more info get in touch with me.

 

[Paul Fraser]

Actually the bumper off bit is actually quite easy if you know where the screws and plugs are, and changing the two condensers at the front and the drier is straightforward. It's the pipes under the car that are a bit of a faff.