Solved !!A/C issue: works when ignition is On but not when running

[chamilka]

I hooked up the gauge to both low and High sides. Not sure if I am reading this right but both low and high sides are around 110 PSI . Please see the attached pic.

The reading remained the same while engine on or off. Does this look right?

Thanks

 

[Ahsai]

Yes, you got enough refrigerant for sure so that's not the problem. Does the a/c clutch click and engage at all when you turn on the a/c?

[chamilka]

7 minutes ago, Ahsai said:

Does the a/c clutch click and engage at all when you turn on the a/c?

No It does not engage, I don't hear anything. 

WTF is going on? this is very frustrating!!!

[Ahsai]

Check fuses C7 and D6 and relay #18 inside the left kick panel. Maybe your a/c compressor clutch is toast.

[chamilka]

First of all thank you all for your support and advices. you guys rock!!!  I finallyfigured out what the issue was …it is the ignition lock/tumbler. When I turned the key all the way to the right and start the car, the A/C would not come on, however when the key is turn back about a hair to left then the A/C comes on.

When I researched my issue few weeks ago I saw an old post which referenced A/C issues to the ignition but my ignition is not sticky or loose so I ruled that out. I think it is time to replace the lock assembly but first I have to returned bunch of expensive parts I bought but didn’t end up using J

Thanks all!!! I really appreciate all your help, Ahsai special thanks to you my man!!!

Edited September 19, 2017 by chamilka

[Ahsai]

Glad you've found your problem. Just curious when your a/c doesn't work, can you try if your wipers work? They get power from the same circuit after the igniti switch.

[judgejon]

Great news.  Hoo-Rah.

this was like a Sherlock Holmes mystery.  the culprit was right there staring in everyone's faces all the time.

Good job.  Continued good luck with the car.

[judgejon]

As perhaps a final thought, what are you planning to do?

Replace the tumbler, or the entire lock mechanism?

there are some DIY posts on both replacements, but both are a bit advanced for me to tackle.

good luck on whatever you decide to do.

[chamilka]

On ‎9‎/‎18‎/‎2017 at 10:56 PM, Ahsai said:

Glad you've found your problem. Just curious when your a/c doesn't work, can you try if your wipers work? They get power from the same circuit after the igniti switch.

I will test it tonight and let you know

[chamilka]

On ‎9‎/‎19‎/‎2017 at 10:00 AM, judgejon said:

As perhaps a final thought, what are you planning to do?

Replace the tumbler, or the entire lock mechanism?

there are some DIY posts on both replacements, but both are a bit advanced for me to tackle.

good luck on whatever you decide to do.

I had done this in the past, I think it was my 2000 Boxster and the procedures should be same for 996. I think I changed the Steering Column Lock assembly , it was very expensive to rekey the tumbler through Porsche.

[Ahsai]

2 hours ago, chamilka said:

I will test it tonight and let you know

Thanks. I was thinking this could be a good confirmation and easy diagnosis for others in thr future.

[chamilka]

Ahsai

yes you are correct the wipers alos do not work

[Ahsai]

Thanks for getting back to me. This simple wiper check can be a short cut to diagnose this issue because the wiper shares the same circuit powered by the ignition switch.