A/C not coming on (1999 996)

[gavinmead]

My 1999 996 has 69,500 miles. In the last few weeks, I've had a problem with the AC fan not starting when I crank the car. Usually if I turn the car off and turn it back on, the fan will start up. Sometimes, it takes two off/on cycles. This morning, the wipers AND the AC didn't come on until I shut off and re-cranked the car. Turning the climate control system on and off doesn't fix the problem.

Anyone have any ideas what would be causing this?

[JoeA]

My 1999 996 has 69,500 miles. In the last few weeks, I've had a problem with the AC fan not starting when I crank the car. Usually if I turn the car off and turn it back on, the fan will start up. Sometimes, it takes two off/on cycles. This morning, the wipers AND the AC didn't come on until I shut off and re-cranked the car. Turning the climate control system on and off doesn't fix the problem.

Anyone have any ideas what would be causing this?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds a lot like your ignition switch, very common on the 1999. There is good and bad news for you, first the bad news, If it is the ignition switch (I'm willing to bet money it is) Porsche no longer makes that part and has made everyone with this problem at the dealer swap out for a whole new ignition system.

The great news is the part is the same at VW and Audi.

use this link for much more information.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1313

I will email you the instructions also. I was able to do the job in about 15min.

The switch can easily be found on ebay for $20.00. If you are handy enough, its easy.

Hope thats it, It should be.

[JoeA]

My 1999 996 has 69,500 miles. In the last few weeks, I've had a problem with the AC fan not starting when I crank the car. Usually if I turn the car off and turn it back on, the fan will start up. Sometimes, it takes two off/on cycles. This morning, the wipers AND the AC didn't come on until I shut off and re-cranked the car. Turning the climate control system on and off doesn't fix the problem.

Anyone have any ideas what would be causing this?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds a lot like your ignition switch, very common on the 1999. There is good and bad news for you, first the bad news, If it is the ignition switch (I'm willing to bet money it is) Porsche no longer makes that part and has made everyone with this problem at the dealer swap out for a whole new ignition system.

The great news is the part is the same at VW and Audi.

use this link for much more information.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1313

I will email you the instructions also. I was able to do the job in about 15min.

The switch can easily be found on ebay for $20.00. If you are handy enough, its easy.

Hope thats it, It should be.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You have mail!! ( the instructions)

[gavinmead]

Thanks, Joe. I'll try it out and let you know.

[PTEC]

A lot of times when this problem happens (ignition switch not returning causing the ac to be inop) you can get by without a new switch. After you start the car just gently move the key towards off. A lot of times thats enough to get the switch to return from "start" to "on" and the AC will work again.

[Paul Gavazzi]

The A/C Blower in my 2000 996 C4  has stopped working. It started a month or so back by working intermittently. After starting the car the blower would come on after a minute or so. That went on for a couple of weeks and then it stopped altogether, I read everything I could find and did the following:

1. Bench tested the blower -- ok
2. replaced the resistor -- worked initially but failed quickly
3. Checked the battery -- ok
4. Read about the ignition issue -- started wiggling the key between position 0 and start. That got it going although not consistently.
5. Replaced the ignition... still does not work.
6. Put a meter on the fan connector and started the car... slight jump in voltage (like 1 vDC) 
7. Bench tested the blower motor again -- still good.

I really don't know where to go from here. Any help will be greatly appreciated...