Is it normal with AC? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Strawfordt · 07-08-2007, 07:37 PM

Hi everyone,

Has anyone noticed that their Box gets very sluggish and difficult to start off in 1st gear when the AC is on?

Mine is a 2.5L, manual shift, 98 Boxster in Canada and has been really good. Some small problems but nothing too major.

Is this normal???

Thanks

Tom

manguasha · 07-08-2007, 08:05 PM

Hi Tom,
I have 2005 "S" 6000kms, and I dont find this 'sluggish' problem.
In fact my car starts off in 2nd.(like all P car triptronics) and even then there is no hint of "load'. The climate where I live (India) is very hot and a/c is a must. Guess you need to check your a/c belt. It could be too tight.
All the best,
manguasha

Cloudsurfer · 07-08-2007, 10:08 PM

I wouldnt call it "sluggish" but I can definitely tell when the A/C compressor is running in my S 6-speed with a light flywheel. Just need a little bit more throttle to compensate for the compressor load.

Patrick

wanna986 · 07-09-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwm750

I wouldnt call it "sluggish" but I can definitely tell when the A/C compressor is running in my S 6-speed with a light flywheel. Just need a little bit more throttle to compensate for the compressor load.

Patrick

Same here. It's to be expected.

BoxsterBob - CA · 07-09-2007, 01:51 PM

Are you running the factory AC or aftermarket:

Just kidding, this was posted on another board, and I couldn't resist. I don't notice any sluggishness when the AC is on in my '99 2.5, however I drive with the AC on 99.999% of the time, so it's hard to compare.

WoBoxster · 07-09-2007, 04:16 PM

I have the same problem. When i am stopped and my car idling the RPM's will drop about 500 and come back up. My car will continue to do this untill i start driving again, or i turn off the AC. I don't feel a loss in power, the RPM's just jump around a bit when stopped. Sometimes the RPM's will drop enough to where i can hear the motor about ready to die.

Strawfordt · 07-10-2007, 07:21 AM

I think that since the 98's have the lowest hp engines of the 986 series, we tend to suffer from the additional strain of the AC on the engine. I rarely have my AC on but when I do it seems to be quite a strain on the engine and I really have to adjust my clutching and gas style to have a smooth take off. I do not have any idle concerns at stops like you have mentioned.

Glad to see that it may just be normal.

BTW. I love the aftermarket AC. A new found favorite.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoBoxster

I have the same problem. When i am stopped and my car idling the RPM's will drop about 500 and come back up. My car will continue to do this untill i start driving again, or i turn off the AC. I don't feel a loss in power, the RPM's just jump around a bit when stopped. Sometimes the RPM's will drop enough to where i can hear the motor about ready to die.