Boxster S 2000 - No Air Con pressure

[biondi]

Hi,

Recently bought one of these and love it, stupidly did not test the air con before buying. To be honest I would have had it anyway but still annoyed with myself, could have had a bit more bargaining power!

Anyway, the air-con isn't generating any cold air. Whether the snow-flake is displayed or not the temperature stays the same. The compressor is kicking in I believe (can hear the revs drop/noise change when I press the air con snowflake), it's blowing but nothing cold. I thought it might just need a regas but after checking via the low-pressure valve there's no pressure in it at all, nothing.

I have done a lot of searches on these forums and other places but am at a bit of a loss, I guess maybe a leak somewhere? Just wondering if anyone else has had this and what the solution was?

Any pointers appreciated..

cheers,

Matt

[Trev450]

It's possible that one or both of your condensors are leaking as they are prone to corroding. They are located with the radiators behind the front grills, but it is a front bumper off job to get at them.

[OvalOwl]

Normally if you have low pressure the compressor won't kick in since there is a clutch to protect it from running without the lubrication that the refrigerant caries with it.

You could just have marginal pressure and all it needs is a top up. The gas does leak out over time. Take it down to Kwik-Fit or a.n.other re-gas service that offers a no-fix-no-fee service, they will do a pressure test to find out if there is a substantial leak before they re-gas.

The front bumper off is a simple DIY procedure, all you need is a screwdriver and a torx bit. An extra pair of hands comes in handy but you can do it alone.

http://www.boxa.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=5994... (requires login)

Edited by OvalOwl on Sunday 30th August 13:02

[biondi]

OvalOwl said:

Normally if you have low pressure the compressor won't kick in since there is a clutch to protect it from running without the lubrication that the refrigerant caries with it.

You could just have marginal pressure and all it needs is a top up. The gas does leak out over time. Take it down to Kwik-Fit or a.n.other re-gas service that offers a no-fix-no-fee service, they will do a pressure test to find out if there is a substantial leak before they re-gas.

The front bumper off is a simple DIY procedure, all you need is a screwdriver and a torx bit. An extra pair of hands comes in handy but you can do it alone.

http://www.boxa.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=5994...

Thanks - I actually took it down to Kwik-Fit this morning who did the check, they said as there was no pressure there was no point in doing a refill (maybe they didn't want to risk a freebie). I guess if they won't do it I could do it myself, presumably as soon as I add the EZ-Chill I should see the pressure increase? If it doesn't then the solution isn't as simple, right?

[OvalOwl]

If they found no gas you have a leak. Fix that first. The most likely place is the condensers in front of the radiators, so it's bumper off time.

[taylor172]

most common cause would be as previously mentioned the 2 AC condensers behind the front bumper, if you have a look through the big gaps on either side of the front bumper you may be able to see if they are leaking, (will be a fairly obvious damp patch spread on them, they will look darker but not necessarily wet if that makes sense) they are prone to stone damage and or the bottom corners rotting where years of road debris and leaves can build up if not cleared out.

OPC's usually replace them both for around £800

[biondi]

Thanks all!

[tr7v8]

taylor172 said:

most common cause would be as previously mentioned the 2 AC condensers behind the front bumper, if you have a look through the big gaps on either side of the front bumper you may be able to see if they are leaking, (will be a fairly obvious damp patch spread on them, they will look darker but not necessarily wet if that makes sense) they are prone to stone damage and or the bottom corners rotting where years of road debris and leaves can build up if not cleared out.

OPC's usually replace them both for around £800

Much cheaper at an indie! Or you can swap the condensor yourself, they are pretty cheap from people like carparts4less or GSF.

[biondi]

taylor172 said:

most common cause would be as previously mentioned the 2 AC condensers behind the front bumper, if you have a look through the big gaps on either side of the front bumper you may be able to see if they are leaking, (will be a fairly obvious damp patch spread on them, they will look darker but not necessarily wet if that makes sense) they are prone to stone damage and or the bottom corners rotting where years of road debris and leaves can build up if not cleared out.

Indeed, I've just checked - the offside condenser has quite a large dark stain over a large amount of it, the nearside I can't see any. I guess it would make sense to replace both at the same time though. Thanks..

[biondi]

Actually, one other related question - when the condensers are replaced do you then just need to re-gas it? Or anything else?

[edc]

Get the Ava condensers from coolpartsuk on ebay for about 45 each delivered.

[gerlewis]

I have been quoted £200 inc vat for 2 new condensers fitted and with a refill.

(South Wales). Where are you based?

[biondi]

Thanks edc, will look into that!

gerlewis: I'm based in Hertfordshire, haven't found anyone yet so if anyone has any suggestions it would be appreciated..£200 sounds ridiculously good..

[gerlewis]

Yes, it was about £60 per condenser plus labour. (this was for my 996, but they are the same I think).

For that price you could make it part of a weekend break to Wales

Let me know if you need more info.
Ger