996 Air Conditioning query...

[Azura_C4]

Hi, I have a MY00 C4 (996). My air conditioning has been making a noise recently and now it does not provide any cold air at all. :(

I took it into a dealer today and they say it is because the condenser unit is leaking. They think it was probably damaged by a stone. In addition they advise changing the dessicator/drier too. Total cost... equivalent to $1000!

Anyway, I was hoping you could tell me :

1. Where is the condenser unit? and can it gat damaged by a stone?

2. Does the advice on also needing to change the dessicator/drier unit if the condensor is changed sound correct?

Many thanks in advance!

Edited June 27, 2004 by Azura_C4

[chrisp3]

Don't know if a stone could damage the condenser but it sounds reasonable. However, if the system is opened up it's probably a good idea to go ahead and replace the drier. This is the part of the system that extracts the water out of the air and in the grand scheme of things isn't that big an expense.

[Loren]

There are two condensers. One in front of each radiator (in front of each wheel).

I am sure they can get damaged by a stone. Better the condensor than an engine radiator ;)

Once the A/C system has been open to the elements the dessicator/drier is normally replaced. I would shop around - the price seems very high and any good A/C shop could do the work (IMHO).

[JohnJStewart]

Loren

My car has been diagnosed with a slightly leaking near side air con radiator. I;ve seen them in the UK for £125 - do you know how many hours labour it should be to replace one side?

Thanks

[Loren]

Loren

My car has been diagnosed with a slightly leaking near side air con radiator. I;ve seen them in the UK for £125 - do you know how many hours labour it should be to replace one side?

Thanks

Well, the actual replacement would be pretty easy. Just remove the front bumper and remove and replace the AC condensor. I would guess I could do it less than 1 hour.

But since you have had a leak they will likely need to recharge you AC and test that it will hold pressure. If it was open for long you may also need a new AC dryer (desiccator).

[JohnJStewart]

Loren

My car has been diagnosed with a slightly leaking near side air con radiator. I;ve seen them in the UK for £125 - do you know how many hours labour it should be to replace one side?

Thanks

Well, the actual replacement would be pretty easy. Just remove the front bumper and remove and replace the AC condensor. I would guess I could do it less than 1 hour.

But since you have had a leak they will likely need to recharge you AC and test that it will hold pressure. If it was open for long you may also need a new AC dryer (desiccator).

Thanks Loren

Does your one hour include removing and replacing the bumper as well? That seems very quick. How easy is it to remove the bumper?

This was found on the pre-sale inspection so at last I think I may have sold my car!! Had a go in a 997 C2S on Saturday - boy are they good!!

[JohnJStewart]

Loren

My car has been diagnosed with a slightly leaking near side air con radiator. I;ve seen them in the UK for £125 - do you know how many hours labour it should be to replace one side?

Thanks

Well, the actual replacement would be pretty easy. Just remove the front bumper and remove and replace the AC condensor. I would guess I could do it less than 1 hour.

But since you have had a leak they will likely need to recharge you AC and test that it will hold pressure. If it was open for long you may also need a new AC dryer (desiccator).

Do you know the part number for the air con radiator?

Thanks

[rattles]

Loren

My car has been diagnosed with a slightly leaking near side air con radiator. I;ve seen them in the UK for £125 - do you know how many hours labour it should be to replace one side?

Thanks

Well, the actual replacement would be pretty easy. Just remove the front bumper and remove and replace the AC condensor. I would guess I could do it less than 1 hour.

But since you have had a leak they will likely need to recharge you AC and test that it will hold pressure. If it was open for long you may also need a new AC dryer (desiccator).

Thanks Loren

Does your one hour include removing and replacing the bumper as well? That seems very quick. How easy is it to remove the bumper?

This was found on the pre-sale inspection so at last I think I may have sold my car!! Had a go in a 997 C2S on Saturday - boy are they good!!

John,

I did the bumper removal last weekend, it is not difficult, there is a DIY for it in the Carrera 996 DIY section in this forum

Glenn

[Loren]

Loren

My car has been diagnosed with a slightly leaking near side air con radiator. I;ve seen them in the UK for £125 - do you know how many hours labour it should be to replace one side?

Thanks

Well, the actual replacement would be pretty easy. Just remove the front bumper and remove and replace the AC condensor. I would guess I could do it less than 1 hour.

But since you have had a leak they will likely need to recharge you AC and test that it will hold pressure. If it was open for long you may also need a new AC dryer (desiccator).

Do you know the part number for the air con radiator?

Thanks

996.573.111.00 Condenser -- US MSRP $351.89

See our friends at Sunset Imports (Porsche Parts at Dealer Cost) for a much better price.