997 turbo - problems?

[andyglos]

Hi, I went to start my 2007 car this morning and it wouldn't turn over very well on the first turn of the key; it is a fairly new battery and kept on trickle charge all the time so didn't think this was the issue. Tried again and it burst into life but it is making a noise like a bag of bolts from the engine compartment; far noisier that the usual rattles and the air con, heated seat, rear window heater etc controls aren't working... The air con display is blank.

There are no engine lights on, no fault codes showing, just an exceptionally noisy car with no climate controls working. Does anyone have any ideas what the problem might be? Am loathe to drive the car but the small amount I have driven it on the drive doesn't show any change in the noise when the oil is warm, when the clutch is depressed, gears engaged etc.

I am wondering if it is something amiss with the alternator or air con compressor..... Perhaps initially seized and then when starting the engine it has overloaded the climate control circuit.

Car is under warranty and I will be on to the OPC tomorrow but I would like a peaceful nights sleep tonight!?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

[IMIA]

Just call Porsche Assistance and they will do everything for you and give you a loan car to boot. Better to do it this way as the OPC then has to get the car fixed on a priority basis within a certain time frame. I wouldn't drive it by the way.

[andyglos]

Thanks for the advice...... Hope I don't end up having the same battle that you had! :-)

[IMIA]

Your's doesn't sound serious and even if it its I'm sure you'll be fine. Its definitely electrical so a dodgy solenoid most likely culprit.

[hygt2]

Is your car a daily driver or a infrequently used garage queen? If it is a daily and the noise turned worse one day then I'll be more worried. If infrequently used, was it dirty or washed before you put away? if so, it could be anything from a sticky relay or any electronics to a slightly seized / dry mechanical pulley or bearing. Either way, get it checked out for peace of mind.

[andyglos]

Thanks, my money is on the dry /seized bearing as it is infrequently used..........

[hygt2]

Where about are you? If you are in the South East, I highly recommend Ken at Nine Excellence.

[IMIA]

andyglos said:

Thanks, my money is on the dry /seized bearing as it is infrequently used..........

I'll take that bet. My money on faulty starter motor (i.e. solenoid) and a few fuses blown.

[andyglos]

Will let you know tomorrow. Planning on calling Porsche Assist in the morning, see what they have to say.

[andyglos]

Well, the car was recovered to the OPC yesterday after the AA guy agreed that it shouldn't be driven. A phone call from the OPC today informs me that they think it is the air con causing the issue and that they have ordered a part which will have to travel from Germany. Suspect it will be off the road until next Wed.

[Mark A S]

Probably the clutch on the AC compressor I would say. I used to work on refrigerated vehicles, when the clutches st themselves they do make a rather nasty metallic sound!
Hope its not toooooooooo expensive to fix!

[andyglos]

Well, it seems it is all fixed now. Am told by the OPC that a pulley had seized on the air con compressor so they have fitted a new unit.

[IMIA]

Alls well that ends well. pleased u did not take that bet!

[hygt2]

Great result!! Covered by warranty?

[andyglos]

Yes, it would have been around £800-1000 had it not been under warranty. In addition to the air con comp they replaced a few other bits as well plus the drive belt. All in all can't complain.

[hygt2]

Sounds reasonable. It is recommended to run the A/C for 20 minutes each week to run the oil and gas through the whole system, pass all the seals, condensers, compressor, evaporator, dryer and all pipes, as well as to stop the clutch from seizing. Dried joints can lead to leaking gas.