09 Tacoma ac diagnosis

Wondering if anyone can offer some 2nd gen Tacoma ac advice

Heard two short belt squeal-like chirps the other day while driving and the ac light started flashing. No cold air.

Tested the magnetic clutch relay and it's fine

The belt is turning pulley just fine.

When I turn on the ac the clutch starts to spin and stops after a few seconds - that's when the light begins flashing.
I've had no belt issues/squealing before or after that one incident and the sound seems to almost certainly be related to whatever failure occured.

I'm wondering what next steps in terms of diagnosis I might take.

Thanks very much, Dan

 

If the clutch engages and the compressor spins, the compressor is not the likely cause. To check the compressor, Turn the engine off and turn the clutch by hand, if it rotates smoothly and easily, your compressor is ok. Unless of course it is leaking. The flashing AC light indicates a sensor has detected a problem in the system, most likely low pressure due to a leak. If you have access to a UV light, that would be ideal for inspecting for leaks. Look for a green colored oily residue on all the AC hoses, joints, compressor, and condenser.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. One follow up question: My knowledge of compressor details is limited, button
if there's a leak will the loss of fluid cause the clutch to stop spinning to prevent damage to the compressor?
One other detail I forgot to mention is that even though the ac is off when I start the truck the light will start flashing shortly after. I assume it's a warning indication that there's an issue with the system.

 

Yes, the HVAC controller will turn the compressor off if it detects no pressure in the system.

 

my AC isn't working either... I dont use it much but my wife took my truck out and she said the AC isn't cooling. I heard a hissing sound behind the dash/vents. When I kick the AC on, I heard the engine/compressor kick on... but I get no lights... good thing is only the ac, it would suck if there is no heat in winter time. My is a 2009 too...

 

The hissing noise is typically indicative of a low refrigerant charge, not quite low enough to cause the compressor to disengage, but low enough to not sufficiently cool the evaporator. You should look for leaks as well as I mentioned above.

 

ah ok... do you think its wise to buy one of those cans of refrigant from an auto parts store or take to a place to charge it? thx

 

I’d fix the leak then have a pro recharge it.

 

I was thinking about getting a PRO A/C Can to charge it up? How long those things lasts??

 

Depends on the size of the leak

 

ok thank you