Cayenne S climate control air distribution

[zokman]

I have a 2004 Cayenne S with 58K miles. Lately when I turn on the A/C the center vents do not come on. I have switched between the defroster vents/center vents/floor vents at various fan speeds and nothing happens. After about 15 - 30 minutes the center vents start blowing cold air and everything works fine. Does anyone know what may be causing this?

[joshmoney]

My 04 S has about the same mileage and it has been doing the same thing. But, most recently, it stopped blowing cold air on the passenger side. I believe my problem is the a/c controller (main thing in the dash with the ac switches). I ordered a new one and I'm waiting for it to come in because it was special order.

[zokman]

How did you determine this controller unit was causing the problem? Was this part expensive? Are you going to do the replacement yourself? I think I am starting to sound like a 3 year old kid asking why there is water.

Anyway, If you do this project, I would appreciate learning about how it is done.

Thanks.

[joshmoney]

the part was a little over 200.00 through sunset. Give them your vin because there is like 15 different types of controllers for this car. I determined it was that part that was screwed up because I tested the actuators on different plugs and it wasn't making them move on some of the plugs. I replaced it myself yesterday. the hardest part of replacing the unit was getting it out of the dash. you have to get 2 flat head screw drivers and press against the metal clips holding it in there. It slides out like a stereo. My new part has a silver fascia, instead of black, so I think it looks better too.

I no longer have the clicking noises inside the dash. I believe that was caused by the controller sending intermittent signals to the actuators for no reason. Also, the fan immediately comes on now, without the 4 or 5 minute pause like you and I were having. I'm hesitant to though the old part in the trash as of yet. Maybe I'll take it apart or something to see how it works (or how it doesn't work).

But, the temp on the passenger side is not as cold as the driver's side (which is much improved, though). I believe I may have a faulty temp sensor on the passenger side. Those shouldn't be too hard to replace. The one I think is messed up is behind the glove box. Not an expensive part, either. only like 15.00 bucks, so I'll try that. I'd test the old one, but I have no idea how to test a temp sensor.

[joshmoney]

I just thought of something else. I had my stereo unplugged for like 2 weeks for waiting on that controller to arrive, now it is displaying the text about the songs that are on the radio. That never worked before. I guess it reset itself. Yet another bonus for this part replacement. :P

[zokman]

Thanks for the reply. Did you take any photos of the job? I will check with the local dealer for the part needed. It seems there is always some "trick" to removing a lot of the trim items on this car. Just have to get into the Porsche Zen mode and everything goes fine.

[joshmoney]

No pics. Just remember to take your time. Trim around the stereo is just pressed in and it pops out fairly easily. If I remember correctly, if you just want to replace the ac controller, that is the only part you have to take off. press in the metal clip things on both sides of it ( they are shiny compared to everything else)and it will slide out. Plugs are on the back of it.