The AC in my 2005 997S cuts off (fan runs, but not cold air) when it's really hot out (93+ degrees) and I am either stopped, idling, or in traffic. I can't remember it doing this over the last several summers. Once I am moving again, it kicks back on, nice and cold.

Is this normal, or after 7 years is my AC in need of a tune up/ charge?
CATTMAN

 

If it gets cold while moving it is probably not the working fluid ( freon). It sounds to me like it might be the fans for heat exchangers up front. It could be a fuse or one/both of the fans are not running. How about the water temp for the engine? Is that normal?

 

i beleive when your engine cold and you are on idle - if you start AC it has to start both front fans too. try it and check if they do indeed start or not.

 

It sounds like the passenger side front fan is not activating. Using my Durametric, that is indeed the case, with the following fault codes:

-Front Body Module, code 8017
Right radiator fan motor, Value below lower limit value

-Air Conditioning, code C203
Fault steering wheel electronics control unit (drive)
Implausible signal

Any insights here? Could it be simply a fuse for the right radiator fan, or might I need a new front control module?

CATTMAN

 

you would need to let the car idle and start to check to see where power is cutting out. make sure the module has power and ground and then see if its going all the way through..
you can get like a smart prob and make sure the fan works.

 

How would I see if the module has power and ground?
CATTMAN

 

Mine has started to do this but the temp gauge almost maxes out. Seems like the fans try to kick in but fail. If I turn off and back on fans sometimes start and car cools off. Taking to dealer and getting fixed under warranty.

 

erase all codes and after that reset ecu - disconnect battery for 5-10min. swap wires around from left fan motor to right and vice versa. start again and check if previously OK running motor will stop or not. check codes again.

 

Took it to the dealer this AM. I'll report back when I hear what's up.
CATTMAN

 

Subscribed. Interested to hear what the dealer says vs. what the Durametric displayed.

 

FWIW, back in November I had some work done at a body shop, and as part of the service they removed & replaced some of the front AC components, as well as evacuating and recharging the fluid & also removed and replaced the right front radiator and it's fan.

I am thinking they skipped something simple on reassembly, and that it's going to be a big bill to simply find that the right front fan wasn't properly reconnected.

If that's the case, believe it or not, the body shop will help with or cover the bill. I'll keep you posted...
CATTMAN

 

As they should if it was their fault.

 

Dropped mine of this afternoon as the temp gauge almost Maxed out twice today.

 

It turns out that the body shop, who did some work back in November did in fact err. They forgot to connect the electrical connectors to the right front radiator fan. Just glad it's something so simple!
CATTMAN