CONDENSATION from A/C

Driving top down with the A/C on last Sunday (About 100 DEGREES), I felt a dripping on my leg. The section running to the A/C vent was all wet. If you reach down you can feel the plastic shell and the cold air running through it. Anyone have this problem? Thanks for your help. Gary 2004 C2 Basalt Black/Black

maybe your drain plugs are blocked?

If you are experiencing the same occasional drip-on-the-ankle that I am, it is not a problem with clogged a/c condensate drains. During a Georgia summer, the condensate drain system dumps gallons of water out the underside of the car. Exploring my ankle wetting situation, I find it is merely the product of condensation forming on the outside of the a/c enclosure, as opposed to the inside (where it is drained out the tube). This is no different from the moisture that also accumulates on the leather around my center air vents (above the radio) when operating the air with the top down on those rare humid days down south.

You drive around with the top down and the A/C on? Model of efficiency, Kim.

You bet. Its the summer equivalent of the winter "top down - heated seats on" routine. Anything to extend the open air driving season. Between those two methods, a cab can be enjoyed at least 90% of the year in ATL. I take every opportunity to ride topless ..... its why I bought the cab, and I love it. However, as Yves reported in another thread, after 9AM in ATL these days, its top up for survival in the brutal sun.

Good point....up here in the city, I have regularly pulled the top down, heater on routine.

Edward, hmm, I notice that my car did not come with "heat-seat", do you know if I can retrofit this option to my car? It would be nice to have top down in the winter time also. Though I have also done the AC with top-down routine, but not yet in 100F outside temp, that's rough...

Bao, You can definitely retrofit the heated seats, but I suspect that it may require a whole new seat cushion, the heated wires mechanism, and the center console switches. I recall reading a thread on here about doing just that so you might want to search around in the 996 forum. Also, check out RennTech as they may have some ideas over there too. I can say this: retrofitting heated seats into the car will likely cost more than you're thinking right now.

I have the same issue when I do the AC with top down routine. Since there are no issues when I put the top up, I assume it's just condensation. Wouldn't worry about it, as long as you only get this when it's very warm, humid, and you have the top down.

Here is a link to a thread that has some info in retrofitting heated seats on a 996. Dharn55 did the DIY in the first link. Also check out posts #6 & #7 in teh second link. https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...t=heated+seats https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...t=heated+seats

I did a lot of reading and decided OEM retrofit was not the way to go. A very complete DIY put that cost above $500, as I recall. I followed the lead of another forumite, and ordered the mesh heating elements that can be cut to desired fit / shape. No cushion replacement necessary. Just a handiness with hog ring pliers. Comes with 2 level heat switch, just like OEM. Main difference is that the switches are not the standard 996 oval shape. I can live with that. The round switches, lighted to indicate low or high heat, blend nicely on the bat wing. Got kits for 2 seats on ebay for about $75 bucks per seat. Plan to complete the installation prior to winter, and will post a report.

I spoke to my rep at the dealer yesterday, he (thought) it was normal. The flow of the hot air with the top down causing excess condensation. If I stop in he will have a look. Your info is right on, and I really appreciate your help. Drop the tops and have a great weekend!! Gary 04C2 Cab Basalt Black/Black

Thanks Edward, Tim and Kim, greatly appreciate the tips... I did not see any DIY on Renntech.org but actually I did not check every single one listed there so I may have missed something. Though OEM is costly so maybe I can live with something more like Kim's way. Will research more... This forum is really great for Porsche enthusiasts Thanks,

This website gives details on the kits I bought. seat heater kit This is an ebay listing like the one I responded to - about 1/2 price: heater kit on ebay Good luck,