AC button?

My AC works sometimes and sometimes not. I've got a new push-button switch to put in, but thought I'd see if anyone had suggestions before I attempt to put it in. When it works I get good cold air. I do get a few seconds of fan belt squeal and a little pully noise on startup. Any suggestions most appreciated.

 

Welcome to the Forum!

The only way to know is trouble shoot the system. Manifold gauges start with the pressure .

The magnetic clutch might be getting old and tired.

Might be a poor connection.

Does the Blower Motor always work?

It might be almost anything it could be the switch but when they fail it tends not to be intermittent.

 

Well, thanks, nice to be here. I do suspect clutch. 200k on it. The blower works fine. I can check connections, as for gauges/pressure checks, guess it's time to take it to the dealer.

 

Find a local Shop that deals with auto Air Conditioning you will be better off.

Unless your on real good terms with your Toyota dealer . Most techs tend to be real clueless once vehicles are 10 years or older.

Hang out and drink Coffee with the service manager all the time.

Good luck !

 

Funny you should say that. I got a friend that is a Toyota Tacoma mechanic, just a hard guy to track down and corner. Thanks for your great advice.

 

Your welcome!

Good Luck!

 

Also, did you buy your new switch direct from Toyota? I had put one in from ebay and it shorted out the circuit. As soon as I put the Toyota one in, the A/C worked perfect

 

Yes, OEM switch. Supposed to be here today. Leary that it will solve the problem. We'll see.... $120 for Toyota diagnose, guess that is hourly rate.

 

Not sure if all 1st gen AC switches are like my 95s, but if so, they are prone to problems due to the design. They are what's called "direct connect". Basically, the wire harness side connector is locked into the bezel and the switch is just pushed into the connector from the front. In other words, the wire harness is stationary, and the switch gets pushed into it. They tend to get loose over time and have connection issues.

 

I had my A/C switch put in, and got it recharged by a shop that I trusted. I didn't want to be the one that messed up the switch haha. It cost me 120, so I'd say it's pretty standard. 120 just to fix the switch is a little bonkers. Just the stealership way I guess