I think my AC is in need of a charge. Both front fans are blowing, the rear compressor is turning but air coming out is warm.
Should any reasonably competent shop be able to recharge the system with coolant and check for leaks or does this require specialized Porsche test equipment?
Thanks for the insights.
Keith

 

No ,any shop specialized in air conditioning can do the job.....At the beginning, if the system does not hold the pressure, they will fill the system with a coolant including a die in it and may be a week later you will ask to go back and they will be able to discover the leak with a special lamp....

 

You can refill it yourself. Buy the cans from your local auto store, many come with the hookup and a gauge. You'll need 24-25oz to fill from dead empty.

 

Most independent shops should be able to handle an evacuation and re-charge.

 

Where is the hookup for the refill located?

 

I am a big fan of DIY - bit not here. A couple of reasons:
- ACs are sealed systems and should, theoretically, last the life of the car. If refrigerant is missing, it leaked. If you just pump refrigerant into an empty system, it will leak back out. You'll have gained nothing and even R134a damages the environment.
- if the system is not completely empty, the remaining refrigerant needs to be recovered for the same reason
- even if you fix an obvious leak before recharging the system, it needs to be evacuated with a vacuum pump before being recharged. The reason is to remove all humidity from the system - or it will freeze and block the expansion valve. Water boils at room temp in a vacuum.
- R134 is measured by weight. Not enough and the system will not cool properly. Too much and you risk hydraulic damage to the compressor.
- if the AC has a problem other than missing refrigerant, trying to add more will def do more damage than good. You need a set of gages and someone to understand what is happening.

What you can do as a DIYer is to check the entire system (follow the lines around the car) for 'damp'/dirty spots. There is oil in the system and if the system has a leak, the oil will be pumped out with the refrigerant and the area around the leak will be 'damp' and collect dirt. If the system is empty, you can replace a leaking line or component yourself. But work with a shop for diagnosis and recovery/recharging the refrigerant.

And you def do not need a dealer - though a shop familiar with Porsches and ACs would def be better than a generic AC shop.