A/C Tech Question

[surfsupl]

I have noticed lately when I run my A/C in my truck it will be blowing cold then blow warm then go back to cold. Has anyone had this problem B4, or know what might be causing this?

Thanks!

[phantom]

not a a/c expert
but could you be lo on the cooling gas?

don't know if you can find the lines going to the exchanger ( should be able to see on the firewall side

one should be cold and one hot when it is running

so if the cold line goes war then it is not ductwork and heat and another hint on gas
i don't know where the "sight tube" is on this truck but you can also monitor it and make sure all liquid ( ok a few small bubbles) ar passing through

[piercedtiger]

I think it's just cycling. Other people have noticed and mentioned it before. I notice a slight temperature variation in mine I think, but not enough to really complain about.

[surfsupl]

OK...Thanks!..Was thinking of going to Auto Zone and picking up some freon and then checking my levels

[piercedtiger]

I can't imagine it would be low being 2-3 years old... but who knows? I had to recharge my 98 corolla at around 5yrs old.

[surfsupl]

I was also looking around and I'm not to sure if the high side where the freon goes is the cap inbetween the grill and radiator, or its the cap actually in the engine compartment by the windsheild wiper fluid?

[phantom]

you must be sure or you can hurt yourself when the can explodes !!
pretty sure it goes on the low side and usually the hi and low have different sized fittings
but be sure before you just add, you do not want to over charge or hurt yourself !

ok check the pressure before you add any coolant to it, if it was hi and you over fill you can do damage !!! and blow hoses!

i looked at my truck and i think the hi side is in front of the radiator ( and even has a black cap that says "H" on it
and the one back by the firewall is different sized fitting ( smaller)

there should be a "sight tube" in the line somewhere ( small fitting with a small glass viewing port) and you should not see large amount of bubbles after it runs for a bit !

BUT AGAIN CHECK THE PRESSURE BEFORE YOU ADD !

[surfsupl]

I usually buy the can that comes with a gauge on it. It worked great on my 2000 prerunner. I have a glass eye port on my 2000 but cannot seem to find 1 on my 2005....Will look when its light out tomarrow!

Thanks!

[GratefulPred]

(shrugs) A/C. Ha! You should be so lucky. It's going to be like 9 here this weekend. I let you know how my A/C is in, hmmm, say 3 or 4 months!

[piercedtiger]

Originally Posted by surfsupl

I was also looking around and I'm not to sure if the high side where the freon goes is the cap inbetween the grill and radiator, or its the cap actually in the engine compartment by the windsheild wiper fluid?

The lines have 2 different sized fittings. If you buy a can with the quick adapter and gauge from an auto store, it'll ONLY fit the correct one.

Make sure the engine is running with the AC on full, hook up the can to the adapter, clip the adapter to the AC line, and open the valve a little. You'll be able watch the pressure gauge so you don't over fill it.

[LRH]

No sight glass on the Tacoma, receiver drier is built into the passenger side of the condenser, and there is a very narrow range of refrigerant level between being a little low and overfilled. Cycling during cool weather is normal, but not one of my Toyota trucks has had an off cycle long enough to notice an outlet vent temp rise, although sometimes it will cycle off long enough to notice/feel/smell the humidity rise for a second or 2 during cool/damp weather.