A/C service

The a/c isn't that cold on my 2007 prerunner - is it just cos it's getting toasty in Phx or does it need service/regassing/whatever? How often is new freon required?

 

You use a thermometer in front of the vent?

 

Thanks. If the city would let me build a car port on the side of my house (like almost every other house in my neighborhood has) then that would solve half of my problems!

 

Yes, but often lack the motivation to use it! I do use it if I'm leaving the car for a while (to reduce sun damage to the dash). I've heard of broken windshields using them (due to overheating) so I use mine on the outside, trapped at either end by the doors.

 

Only when it leaks out!!!
Refrigerant never goes bad and if more is needed it has leaked and the leak needs to be fixed.

Yuma Taco,

 

Its hot in Auburn right now. It sucks. It was like 97F today.

Peter, Is your truck not cooling off as fast as it used to? Mine is the same way

 

I thought so, but it's probably just 'start of the summer blues' whereby I'm not used to the heat.

 

It's hot but, mine seems to cool it down pretty quick. One trick is blast it at first on max but after about 2-3min take the fan down a notch. It'll get colder air and you've already blasted the extremely hot air out by that point.

As for sun shades, make sure you leave your windows cracked a hair. I have the vent visors on the front windows so you can't even tell they're open, and if it rains it won't get in. That helps reduce the cabin temp by probably 20 degrees (never verified with a thermometer but it is noticeable). Then if you leave your sun shade in the car, should never have a problem as it's vented. I've lived in AZ all my life (Tucson/Phoenix), and never seen a car have a windshield crack due to a sun visor... ever....

Also, my truck stays parked outside, in front of my near white heat reflecting garage door.

 

I think so too.

Im scared to turn up my AC to Max. The last time I did it (yesterday) It made an almost "crunch" noise.

Anyways I usually leave my windows down until my AC can pick up the temp on LO and 2 notches above

 

Your A/C system will not be able to handle that high of air temps instantly it takes time 55* as stated above is about right I would shoot for 45* from the center passenger side duct this is the closest to the evaporator core. The best way to test you A/C system is to get a manifold gauge set and test your A/C system with max load on the system. A/C on coldest setting vent closed DOOR OR WINDOWS OPEN and on high blower estimating the ambient air temp. is 100* high side air preesure could be around 220psi-270psi they can be higher because of other factors. My high side reading for 85* here in Texas was higher than norm but thats due to high hummidity and Toyota using an H-Block thermostatic control valve.