Air Conditioner Problem on my 2006 4 litre Tacoma

Just started yesterday in the heat of the day and still a problem early this AM in cool air. I pushed on the AC button and an awful screech like a spun bearing instantly started, so loud people stopped talking and stared. For about 5 to 10 sec, this continued, then the noise stopped, but the indicator light on the button started blinking and the air got warmer coming through the cabin grill. Did this many times yesterday and this AM, and exactly the same sequence- screech accompanies initial start up and air flow becomes cooler for about 5 to ten seconds, then light starts blinking and air warms up again. I've read all the search results and listened to two sound bites, but it is not the same noise. What is it and is it bad/expensive, and will it cause even more expensive problems if I ignore it and don't run the AC? Thanking you guys in advance.

 

I sounds like the ac condencer is shot. I could be wrong but that what it sonuds like to me. If it is still under warinty take it back. AC condencers are fairly expensive.

 

I would guess there is an issue with the A/C compressor. I wouldn't run the A/C anymore until it's fixed.

 

From your description, I doubt you are hurting anything with the AC off.

If you wanted to, you could pull the serpentine belt and give the AC clutch a shake to see if it's loose. But you're probably okay from the description you gave. It looks difficult to pull that belt off.

I would pull the AC relay out of it for the time being so the compressor does not kick on with the defroster.

 

It's definetly the A/C compressor. You can drive the veh till it's fixed just DO NOT turn any of your HVAC controls on. The blinking light is telling you theres a problem that needs to be fixed. Be ready to spend some $$$$ A/C compressors are expensive.

 

Many thanks for your diagnoses, guys. Yes, I figured that it would be expensive, that spun bearing/ frozen shaft sound means trouble whenever you hear it on any vehicle in any location. Oh well, I'll wait until we get back from our bike ride to Prague! I will not try to put on the AC. . . .ANY MORE. (a number of times today!)

 

Did you get this problem fixed and what was it? Mine was doing the same but I don't use the AC anyway so wasn't worried. Now yesterday when I turned blower switch on for heat, there was another noise. So it seems I have to get it fixed now.

 

Blower motor does occasionally cause issues, but the AC compressor kicks on when you move your control to defrost/defog... either glass only or floor and glass.

To pin down if it is the compressor or the blower motor, get under the hood and unplug the AC clutch electrical connector.

 

The 10 amp AC fuse in the fusebox under the hood will keep the compressor from starting. Might be easier to get to than the connector. Just in case you need to make sure the AC stays off, that will also disable it in defrost mode.

Haven't fixed my compressor yet. I need to do that one of these days.

 

I took my truck in to the dealer today. I need a compressor and clutch. Bill will be $2650 with taxes if they do it. :-( I'll unplug the compressor fuse for now.

 

A good independent shop will do it for less than half that.

But be sure to get references if you don't know of a good local shop.

 

Make sure they replace the receiver / dryer also if the compressor seized as it is well known for catching metal pieces and then releasing them into the system later to ruin the new compressor.