Is it possible my AC needs service on my new Taco?

Had the truck 2 weeks, brand new. 400 miles on it, that’s it. I’ve noticed that the AC is not blowing as cold as the day I drove off the lot. And progressively, I hear a more frequent tick that sounds like a temp thermostat sensor/solenoid, or something. Air volume is plentiful, just not as “conditioned” as I’d expect. Yes, I will take it to the service dept and let them look at it. Just curious of your thoughts. Anyone have a similar issue?

 

No personal experience but if running AC for 5-10 minutes doesn't blow cold, the service department owes you at least a look at it.

 

Evening,

It may just be your perception and weather change. If you are hearing a noise something could be wrong, but I am thinking probably it is ok. Summer is coming so better to get checked if worried.

 

My Taco is relatively new... 1070 miles on it -
Phoenix is hitting 100 degrees now and will stay the course upwards to 115 and beyond
for the next 6 months.

My A/C is cold... I keep the temp at 74 and the fan on low and it is enough to keep me chilled. Doesn't take a minute to get cold air either.

 

The tick you hear may be the compressor clutch cycling on and off, which is normal.

Not knowing your prior experience or location, you have an engine driven fan which is not ideal for A/C performance in stop / go traffic and idling. There is a TSB that will install an electric pusher fan on the front of the condenser. The dealer should know about it. It's a bit of a hack job for being an official solution, buts it's no cost at least.

 

What temp is the air when it comes out of the vent?

 

I am actually not convinced that the ticking noise is from the AC. It does sound very much like a thermostat click )or a solenoid making contact), but I have turned off the AC and fan completely, and I'll still here it clicking. It's totally random and happens intermittently. No idea what the heck it is... Usually hear it while in motion but also occasionally when stopped and idling. There may be nothing wrong at all because the truck drives fine. I thought maybe it was AC related, because the air just doesn't feel very cold. I spend a lot of time in rush hour traffic though in NE Florida.

 

Hard to say, really... I'd just classify it as "cool", not "cold". Air temps in NE Florida have been high 80s. If AC can only cool to a max of 30 degrees below outside air temp, it should be getting plenty cool enough.

 

It very well could be that. But at it's highest frequency, usually when it's warmest out, it seems to occur the most frequently. Forgive my knowledge of AC systems though. I barely know the basics.

 

@SavimusMaximus

Did you get into the dealer to get your AC fixed?

We are having some hot/humid weather in Texas. I got stuck in traffic yesterday afternoon and was thinking my AC isn't that great. Well, it turns out there is a Toyota Kit to address it. But, I wonder if TSB has been updated for 2021?

Lack of A/C Performance at Idle in High Ambient Temperature
T-SB-0063-18Rev2 July 19, 2018
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10166026-9999.pdf

 

The ticking you are hearing is probably the fuel injectors going through their cleaning cycle. Very normal noise, nothing to worry about.

My Tacoma has by the far shittiest air conditioning I have ever had on a Toyota. I live in FL, luke warm air will start flowing at idle. Dealership says this is normal and refused to do the TSB. The fix is time and labor intensive, and involves mutilating wiring harnesses to tap in for power & control of the fan.

No issues with A/C temp while moving. This is definitely an airflow issue resulting in temperature swings of the A/C. Problem is Toyota doesn't care unless you live in the hottest climate type.

The Taco doesn't have the ice cold air my 99' Camry XLE V6 had, but I deal with it.

 

since the truck is new to you are you turning off the outside air button?

 

I ordered a good quality digital grill thermometer and ran the AC during a pretty warm day, down here in FL. I also referenced a spreadsheet I found somewhere with a sliding scale of AC temp ranges vs outside air temp and humidity. Temp was recording around 48-49 degrees F, which seemed to be in the appropriate range. Like others have said, when sitting in rush hour traffic (or idle), it just doesn't feel that cold. But getting some airflow over the system through the grill seems to make it a good bit better. Still, I'd call it barely adequate. I like my AC COLD!! And this is the warmest AC I've ever had from a new vehicle. I'll mention it to the dealer service when I go in for my first oil change.

 

Not exactly sure what you're asking, but I normally run the AC with the Recirc button off. I try to minimize the recirc to keep the humidity from building up in system.

 

Interesting... Thanks for the comment. What's weird is that some people say their AC is ice cold, while others, like us, have issues. And I could swear that on some days it does feel nice and cool, but just seems so inconsistent. I know that the outside temp and humidity really play a part in how your AC performs.

 

I've had a lot of different brands. Toyota always has the coldest air. When it doubt, take it back.