Lackluster AC performance

I agree.
One other thing to consider is if the humidity is high. That will affect any AC. It takes more BTUs to condense water vapor and that loses some cooling of the air. It's best to run on recirc if that's the case.

 

These threads pop up every summer and it’s understandable. The AC in our trucks leaves a bit to be desired.

 

I've always felt that the Tacoma A/C system wasn't as good as other vehicles that I've owned.
At one point l was gong to take it in and get checked out. But it seems that it's on par with what other owners are reporting.

 

So your low side PS I was between 45-55 when the compressor was engaged? Mine hovers around 35-30 until it cuts off.

 

I bought mine new and the AC never worked good, last yr didn’t cool at all. End up being a slow leak in the condenser which I just replaced. My gut feeling is it leaked from day 1.

 

Sorry to hear about poor A/C. My 09 has been working great so far in 100°+ temps for 10+ years. I do have tinted windows and have never even checked the pressures (I do have my 609 certificate).
Also I hope those putting in Freon in their system knows that's the wrong refrigerant (Freon is not R-134a). I'm a A/C tech by trade

 

It was weird, but ya, the low side stopped climbing at a certain point.

 

I tinted my windows and insulated my headliner. Made a world of difference and didn't cost too much. I will do noise/temp barrier on the doors and back wall soon.

 

As many others have already posted, window tinting worked best — this assuming that nothing is wrong with your A/C system. My little regular cab went from barely keeping me cool in the Texas heat and humidity, to freezing me out, even in the hot months from June-September.

 

No idea what year your truck is OP, but you may want to see if the condenser needs a flush/washing with a garden hose. Not sure if it would be enough to make a difference but I know they can pick up a bunch of crap and dust, especially if you drive dirt roads with occasional wet spots

 

Came to post this. I took mine to a pro because of the weak performance last summer and dont have the tools myself. He checked all the metrics and charged me $25 to blow 160k miles of dirt and half a sparrow out of the condenser. I get about 38 degrees out of the vent when moving but it falls to high 40's when sitting in traffic. As someone else mentioned, it may just be a symptom of having an engine mounted fan. If I lived in the deep south I'd think about adding an electric fan. But I live in upstate NY. We see 90 degrees 3x a year (for now).

Also check what cabin filter you have. I bought a Bosch SUPER OMG HEPA filter and it dramatically slowed down air velocity at the vent.

 

you don’t say?

 

I'm going to provide an update for you guys.

Condenser had been cleaned prior to all this. I just do that to every one of my vehicles at the beginning of each spring. The thing that has provided me with noticeable results was removing the rear hood seal (the one that seals the hood with the cowl). I saw a 3* cooling difference at idle and 5* while driving, so somewhat noticeable.

I do, however, still get a very wide range while the compressor is cycling on and off. It goes from 40* when its running while driving, to 49* until its finally kicks on. Settings are at full cool with recirc on.

 

How long ya been a A/C tech?

 

Also, correct me if im wrong, but doesn't the cabin filter become irrelevant to all this if I only use recirculating air?

 

The recirc door is just above the filter, air still goes thru the filter. Take the glove box out and you can see it in action.

 

Pop that hood up 1/4'' and it will be even better, see hotboi below. That plus good quality tint will make a big difference.

Hotboi

 

I'd be curious to see measurements on how much better this is than just removing the seal

 

where would you buy these spacers?

 

My 2007 DC isn’t great either. I’m planning on putting a fan in front of my radiator for trans cooler and AC performance