AC problems taco 2006 TRD

So I got my condenser changed. Stupid enough, I got this done in the winter while I was lucky enough to the that frame replacement they were doing.

anyway, my sweet child of mind accidentally turned the AC on in the middle of winter while plowing some snow. I heard a rattling noise and the AC button was blinking... I've never seen that before.

Today I decided to charge the AC with 134 freon and for 15 minutes it was nice and cool in the cab. When doing this I heard the rattle again, I would say on the left, driver side in the engine but heard to say. I couldn't see any freon leaking anywhere, but after 15 minutes that sweet coldness just disappeared.

so basically the AC was working perfect for 15 minutes, I heard that rattling noise and once I would feel the cold leaving the rattling was going away and once I knew the cold air was gone that AC button started blinking again.

does anybody have an idea what is going on? What part I should look into or just replace?

any advice is appreciated, thanks!

 

Don’t be hard on your child.
If he/she turned the defroster on, the AC also came on.
The truck does it automatically.

You might find this helpful to diagnose your problem.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-c-light-blinking-troubleshooting-guide.440200/

 

Running the AC in the Winter shouldn't hurt anything...

How did you charge the A/C? Did you have a full gauge set in order to do it properly or did you use one of those A/C Grenades from the auto parts store. If over charged it can damage the compressor.

The rattling noise would have me concerned.

A/C Compressor and or clutch.

 

OP, the Tacoma AC system is not very forgiving.

A couple of things came to mind while reading your post. First, having the frame replaced spells rust, and not just on the frame. Unless the compressor was also recently replaced, it would not surprise me to find a 15 year old compressor and many of the seals in the system to have leaked out much of the refrigerant, along with a considerable amount of oil that is carried along with the gas. The compressor could beyond its service life.

You said you charged the system today. How much did you put in? Did you vacuum the system prior. The Tacoma has to be charged precisely by weight and weight alone. A bit too much or a bit too little typically does not cool very well. Its also possible that a lot of air from the hose or leaks has found its way inside and air is your enemy.

To me initially it sounds like you have a substantial leak and perhaps damage in the compressor. Also, the magnetic clutch on the front of the compressor has some type of dampening material (leather? rubber?) within that serves to minimize shock when the compressor is suddenly activated. Degradation of that material and adverse compressor function is known to happen.

You can end up throwing a lot of money on DIY AC repairs and still end up frustrated. I am going to strongly recommend that you find a competent automotive AC shop and let them go through the system. IMHO it going to be less expensive than throwing parts at the problem.

 

Likely an AC clutch and compressor. Very very common on these trucks.

The A/C does run all winter on defrost mode, you just don't notice it.

 

I used a redteck gauge and 134 canister. I did make sure I wasn't going over. The gauge has a spot you should have it set in. Since I know the rattling was there already I know I didn't do it, I initially charged it to see if it was leaking. I do think its either the clutch or compressor, I just wish I knew which one. I'm surprised it could be either one for the rattline noise?

As someone mentioned, it might be smarter to get it done by a shop... its just not a priority and can be an expensive fix. The shops practically doubled their price around here since the pandemic!

 

Those single gauge solution isn't a solution. Take somewhere and have it checked you will be better off.