Aircon problems

Hi all,

Ive been having problems with my aircon. My father in law took a look at the a/c system yesterday. Told me that my freon was low. I only had only 3 years with my truck brand spankin new from.the dealer. Just no visble leaks, just low freon. Ive changed the filter, cleaned out the vents, and refilled the freon?

Is it a case of getting the freon topped off?
Or
I possably have a evaporator leak?

 

Magnetic clutch relay for AC compressor is known to go bad on these (and other toyotas) though 3 years is a bit short. Lot of threads on it eg:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-c-light-blinking.107982/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-to-confirm-compressor-clutch-engages.445735/

etc.

 

I was thinking that. But that still doesn't explain why I have low pressure of freon. My first reading was at 20 psi. I bumped it back up to spec and seems to be working fine. I dont have long commutes to anywhere. So its hard to notice if the magnetic clutch to to kick in or not.

But I do remember on days of heavy rainfall i would get my a/c light blinking couple of times when I hit a pool of water. You think that would be the root of the problem?

 

I had a hard time topping up the freon properly when my 05's AC went out. I got it done though but the problem came back on hot days. Ended up being the relay. Difficult to debug in winter regardless.

 

The only thing that would cause the R134 coolant charge to be low is a leak or under filled from the factory period.
Coolant doesn't just magically disappear.

I'm not sure why the compressor clutch is part of this discussion.

 

Checked all around the engine bay and the fittings no oil spots of anysort. Last thing I would need to check it the evap core. Which i really dont want to really do.

Any specifc spots that I would need to double check or missed?

 

It could just be a really slow leak. I had to have my 2012 topped off at the end of the summer last year ( 5 Years ) and no leak was found then either. I had dye added and when it goes low again I will check it with a UV Lamp.

 

It can and will slowly leak out over time. Through the service ports, compressor shaft seal. It's under such high pressure..

Edit.. yes I agree with a slow leak. Or try taking the caps off the service ports and putting a little soapy water on the Schrader valve. If you see bubbles....

 

I believe there is dye already in the system neon green saw a little on the fittings while topping off the freon. Correct me if Im wrong. All I gotta do is grab one of em UV lights and take a look.

 

A properly sealed system won't.

My last truck lasted more than 20 years with never a recharge and would freeze your ass off.

 

Yes.