No A/C
 

As I will be pulling my '04S from winter storage in the next few weeks, it's time to think about what to do with my dead A/C that went out last year. Fan works, but it doesn't blow any cold air- nada. Dealer wants to do a diagnostic, which they tell me will cost about $350.

Any consensus out there as to what happens to 986 A/C units over time ( i.e, am I probably looking a just a refrigerant charge and minor leak repair or an entire compressor/condenser unit? I live in MN and haven't used the A/C much at all, so it can't be dead from usage (wear and tear).

Anything I can do to figure out what's going on? Thanks,

Get one of those refill kits with the gauge on the hose assembly and hook it up to the refill connector. It will tell you if there is any refrigerant in the system, and if is empty or low, you can refill it at the same time. Some of the versions even have a leak sealer. Usually cost about $35. If that doesn't work, then you will have to find someone else to figure it out.

If you want it to work correctly you will need to pull a vacume on it before filling with the correct gas and pag oil.

pull the cover just behind the back seats. place you hand on the inner compressor wheel and see if it turns. if it does not turn that is your problem and your ac is toast. let the Freon out and pull one hose if it looks black inside (black death) everything must be replaced.

For $20, you can't really go wrong with a refill/gauge kit. It will give you a better idea of what's going on. Most likely, its just low. Do your research and make sure the refrigerant is compatible with the existing system and any remaining refrigerant. Get a kit with sealer as you probably have a leak.

If it works for a while, then quits, take it in for servicing. This would indicate that the leak is more severe. If the refrigerant is not low, or adding doesn't make the compressor kick on, then you have a compressor failure or electrical issues.

I just had mine re-gassed. took some 300g or so. Only cost 35 euro and it's freezing inside with the a/c on!

Why would you need AC in MN in a convertible Porsche?

Your just not driving it fast enough to stay cool.

You could remove the Windscreen if you need it cooler. :)
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Does the AC unit engage and turn with the AC on?
If not it might be the clutch magnet getting weak.

If not then http://www.discountacparts.com/addtocart~year~2004~make~Porsche~model~Boxster~des cript~A-C_Compressor~part~60-01490.asp

Maybe you should just remove the whole AC unit?
I was thinking about doing that since I never use AC, not at home, not in the car, kills my sinuses. Taking it out should save a couple of pounds too. Anyone knows what's involved in removing the whole unit?

Why remove it when it works so well? I would definitely try charging it and if you aren't comfortable doing that, have a shop do it. I'm willing to bet thats all it needs.