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AC not working, condenser damaged???

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Old 08-14-2018, 11:40 PM
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jesm
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Default AC not working, condenser damaged???

Hi there, has anyone had their AC condensers damaged from driving on the freeway? My AC stopped working, took it to the dealer and they are claiming something damaged the condensers and will have to be replaced and now I have a 2200 bill that will not be covered by car warranty...I have not hit or ran over any type of debris while driving.

Is this a common issue with the 991.2s?
If so, what can be done to protect them? I have seen the mesh grills for the GTS but have not seen them for the S
Or am I being scammed by the dealership?

Any input would be very appreciated...Thanks.
Old 08-15-2018, 01:04 AM
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aCayenneFan
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If you can show impact damage to the condensers, you might be able to file a claim with your auto insurance company. The analogy would be stone impact damage to the windshield.
Old 08-15-2018, 02:44 AM
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abe
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Make sure you get the condenser back....ask them to show you where the damage was done. Unfortunately the radiator and condensers in our cars are vulnerable to rock damage.
Abe
Old 08-15-2018, 03:50 AM
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GTSdds
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Not on a 991, but i got this exact same story from Irvine BMW a few mos ago when my 44k mi 2014 535i was not blowing cold. They said a pebble had punctured the condensers seal. Of course it was 6 mos out of warranty, but hard to believe on a car that only seen so cal roads since I left it in Zurich after ED in 2013. BMW paid for half bc I b!tched, but im still dubious about the whole episode.
Old 08-15-2018, 08:31 AM
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ClassJ
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Yes this happened in my 981s. I still don’t understand why they don’t put internal grills closer to condensers.
Old 08-15-2018, 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by jesm
I have seen the mesh grills for the GTS but have not seen them for the S
Any input would be very appreciated...Thanks.
I don't think you looked hard enough. I believe grills are produced for all current cars.

There's a few on here that had that same repair comp'ed by the dealer after chatting with Porsche Customer Care.

Might be worth some time and effort to make a few calls.

http://www.rennline.com/
Old 08-15-2018, 08:54 AM
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This has happened to me before. Won’t be covered under warranty. Condensers are unprotected and hit frequently by rocks. Eventually a big one will cause the leak.
Look up Zunsport.
They make grills easily placed without having to remove bumper.

Old 08-15-2018, 01:27 PM
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991carreradriver
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If the condenser has been damaged, be sure to see it for yourself. Another reason could be a failed COV. Irrespective of what has failed, obtain grills because if you drive your car enough, the open air inlets will eventually bite you in the behind.
Old 08-15-2018, 02:07 PM
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Pointbye
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How could they be scamming you? Your AC doesn’t work. You brought that up. Not them.
Old 08-15-2018, 02:36 PM
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jesm
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Thanks for all your replies, on the way to the dealership now to look at the condensers....I wish I would have known that this was a common issue with 911s or Porsche in general. Talked to Porsche Customer service and was a waste of time and completely denied that this happens in any of their cars...

Thanks again!
Old 08-15-2018, 02:41 PM
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jesm
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Originally Posted by Pointbye
How could they be scamming you? Your AC doesn’t work. You brought that up. Not them.
I have dealt with many dealerships and they tend to be the shadiest business people. You dont think they will come up with BS stories to have you do extra or unnecessary repairs on your car that are not needed??? Friend of mine with 911 Turbo S was recommended to do a 3-4k repair that found out to be was not needed and was pure BS.
Old 08-15-2018, 02:50 PM
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If you go the insurance route, tell them the item you struck was moving (comprehensive) vs a stationary item (collision). Since it's highly unlikely you struck a stationary stone, for example. Maybe your dealership will even put these notes on your repair bill. Could make a difference on your deductible.
Old 08-15-2018, 02:56 PM
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Thanks!!!
Old 08-15-2018, 03:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Pointbye
How could they be scamming you? Your AC doesn’t work. You brought that up. Not them.
Right
You must be kidding
Old 08-15-2018, 05:10 PM
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AviBen
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I had a condenser hit by a small rock on the highway. $1,900 later I was good to go -- and immediately ordered a Zunsport grille. (This was on my prior TTS.) There wasn't much doubting what happened -- when I pulled into my garage from the highway the hissing sound from the punctured condenser was sadly unmistakable. Had I kept driving, road noise would have prevented me from hearing it and I would have just noticed a loss of A/C.


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