Air Controller Only Works on High

Hello,

The AC/Heater only works on the High setting. Occasionally it will work on lower settings but only lasts for a day or so.

I looked at buying a replacement control unit but they are very expensive and and I saw somewhere where it might be a blower issue, not a controller issue.

Anyone else run into this?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Chris

2011 Double Cab Prerunner V6 Towing Package

 

Hey man. Welcome.
There is a resistor module that divides voltage to the fan when you select low or medium, then when you select high, it bypasses that module and give the blower full 12 volts. You resistor module has burned out. You can replace it, but be aware that high time blower motor have high resistance, and they will burn out these modules time after time. It is best to replace resistor module, fuse, and blower motor all at once.

 

This thread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-intermittent-operation.180349/#post-16087503

 

I've changed three of those darn things. On my truck, on a Lincoln Town car and a Buick Park Avenue, which was the worst one to do. The truck isn't that hard to get to, but the two car resistors are on the dang firewall. Both times is cost me a trip to the chiropractor! LOL!

 

I have never been to a chiropractor, had a massage, or had back pains....knock on wood!!!!!

 

good to know!

 

I have had this same problem as well. The plug is on against the firewall on the passenger side on the left near the transmission hump. 4 wires. Unplug and you will see the #2 or #3 connection burnt a little. Be careful how you try to bend out the connection as you may mash it down further like I did. I'm too cheap to order the plug and just used a "modified" picture hanger to fill the space and make the connection. I'm not really concerned about any consequences as I have had this in for 2 years with no problems. I am always confident that my a/c or heater will now work on low and medium without having to turn it on and off for comfort by being on high all the time.

Just another solution although I don't recommend it but it works for me and my MacGyver fixes.

 

Before you spend any $,Try This, pull the resistor unplug it, if plug and resistor are not fried beyond repair, very carefully (with flat screwdriver) bend the prongs slightly towards the side the contacts would be when assembled. Clean up the contacts add some dielectric grease. Re assemble, Test. I have done this to many GM vehicles and my own Tacoma 2 years ago Problem was solved. As stated above the connector is a sloppy fit.

 

Thanks everyone! I unplugged it, wiggled the wires (two look to have charring), plugged it back in, and it's blowing on lower settings. I'll likely replace the parts soon, but it's good to know the problem isn't the controller like the Toyota dealer said.

Thanks again!