AC Compressor not spinning

[fedmax]

Dear all

Probably a 996 universal topic but put it in the 996TT section anyway. Noted today that my AC is not working. When I got home I found out that the magnetic clutch does not engage. Outer pulley runs but does not engage the AC. I checked all fuses, all ok, checked the power cable, ok too.

Do the magnetic clutches just fail sometimes? Or do you have another idea?

Thanks

Ronny

[jpflip]

Fedmax, do you know if yours fans are working. With Durametric you can test the three speeds of the fans and you can also get the compressor to work. If they work a low coolant level can also be a cause of malfunction.

Fuse to check: Radiator fan fuse should also be checked C8 and C10, D6 for the compressor, E7 a/c,

[JFP in PA]

Dear all

Probably a 996 universal topic but put it in the 996TT section anyway. Noted today that my AC is not working. When I got home I found out that the magnetic clutch does not engage. Outer pulley runs but does not engage the AC. I checked all fuses, all ok, checked the power cable, ok too.

Do the magnetic clutches just fail sometimes? Or do you have another idea?

Thanks

Ronny

These systems have multiple electronic sensors (high pressure, low pressure, high temperature, etc,) anyone of which can shut off the clutch on the compressor to prevent further damage to the system. Unless you have the tools and knowledge to diagnose and service this system, you would be better off taking the car to someone that does. And do not try to just add more R134A with one of the cheap aftermarket fill kits; if the system already has the correct fill level, you will overfill it, and when you did get the compressor to run, you could end up doing some very expensive damage.

Edited July 26, 2011 by JFP in PA

[fedmax]

Thanks for the input, will also check the fan fuses, was interesting that it didn't run when I stopped the car. Else I'll take it to the shop...

[Michael-Dallas]

Sounds like low refrigerant.

If you are mechanically inclined (i.e. can do an oil change or brake work), then AutoZone loans out AC vacuum pumps and manifold guages. Very easy to evac, check for leak, and recharge.

Good luck.

Michael.

[fedmax]

Sounds like low refrigerant.

If you are mechanically inclined (i.e. can do an oil change or brake work), then AutoZone loans out AC vacuum pumps and manifold guages. Very easy to evac, check for leak, and recharge.

Good luck.

Michael.

It was! We now filled it with UV light sensitive fluid and hope we find the leak... Thanks!

[fedmax]

Sounds like low refrigerant.

If you are mechanically inclined (i.e. can do an oil change or brake work), then AutoZone loans out AC vacuum pumps and manifold guages. Very easy to evac, check for leak, and recharge.

Good luck.

Michael.

It was! We now filled it with UV light sensitive fluid and hope we find the leak... Thanks!

Found the leak, it was the left air condenser, pictures here:

http://porsche996turboblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/issue-ac-not-working.html

[jpflip]

This is a fantastic blog Ronny! I recommend the reading of this blog to everyone! It start here: Ronny's blog. Lots of valuable informations! Happy reading and thanks Ronny for this great achievement.

Edited September 10, 2011 by jpflip

[Sunnyside]

Well done Ronny, great blog. I would love to run a diary about all the work done to my car, just would know how to do it :thankyou:

Edited September 10, 2011 by Sunnyside

[fedmax]

Thanks for the good feedback - I'll keep on working on it...tomorrow updates on condenser exchange and also fuel filter.

[fedmax]

Thanks for the good feedback - I'll keep on working on it...tomorrow updates on condenser exchange and also fuel filter.

Air conditioning condensor replacement step by step including A/C dryer (for which strangely no entry exists in the Porsche Workshop Manual):

http://porsche996turboblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/ac-condenser-exchangereplacement.html