Does A/C effect the power?
 

Hi everyone,

Has anyone noticed that when they have the A/C on the Boxster seems a little sluggish? Mine hestiates and requires a little more revving to overcome the strain incurred when it is being let into gear.

I thought modern cars had a switch of some type that temporarily disengages the AC compressor when the car is under acceleration.

Does anyone else have this problem? It is starting to really bother me.

This is common on all cars.

The engine drives the a/c compressor when it is on. Takes 5-8 HP I believe.

Yes, but the "best" part is that in a Porsche you get the AC for both cooling and heating.....

Hi,

That's not just common to Porsche. Many cars (I might even say most) use the AC to dehumidify the air when in the Defrost mode to aid in unfogging the windshield...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

This is even more pronounced in smaller displacement and lesser cylinder cars. :D

Yes, but I would venture that few (might I even say, well, few) automatically turn on the AC for normal heater usage (non-defrost).

Hi,

I know what you mean, in Auto mode, the little Snowflake lights in the Display. I'm not sure that means the AC is energized though.

I have never actually checked it, but I don't ever remember hearing the Radiator Cooling Fans come on which is their default mode if the AC Compressor is operating. I'll have to check that one.

But, I can see the indicator showing in the display to alert the driver that this mode (Auto) will also control the AC operation...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

The AC compressor is driven off of one of the pulleys that is on the same belt as the crankshaft. It is spinning all of the time on that pulley. However, when the AC compressor is on, there is a clutch that is engaged that puts it onto that pulley as a load. So the increased load slightly bogs down power available to turn the wheels. You will feel some effect in any car when the AC compressor is on. Now if you don't mind unconditioned (often also not necessarily cool) air, you could have the (electric) fan on, but turn off the compressor and you won't feel any difference in power.

Thanks everyone,

I know that there is power loss due to the compressor for the AC. I just never felt it had such a dramatic effect in any other vehicle I have ever owned. Must be the 2.5 Litre Engine.

Those of you with the 2.7 or 3.2, do you notice the effect that much?

Only had mine 6 months but thinking that maybe I should upgrade.

As always, I appreciate the feedback from everyone.