2021 TRD TACO LOW AC Pressure - Overheat Blow Off

My AC pressure blew a leak - I think, not sure. Was standing in the heat waiting idling and suddenly heard a rumbling like in a stomach and then a long sustained hissing followed by chem odor. This was followed by warm(er) blowing AC air where it was a bit warmer on the passenger side while still cool on the driver side - but def warmer. When driving the AC worked ... better with intermittent hissing about every 15 to 20 seconds. Called Toyota and of course they said my 30 months old car should be taken to the dealer where they will charge me the $85 going rate for the diagnostic, and since I am now at 38K miles, it would no matter what be covered under warranty, especially because who knows how I am driving and in the heat, for sure it can be expected that you blow a seal... they said. What a bunch of hog-wash. After watching a bunch of YouTube tutorials, I bought the R1234YF can with the adapter and tested - pressure on hot engine running and AC on was at the low end of the "GREEN FULL". I filled it up so now it's at the high-end of the "GREEN FULL" gauge area, still hissing though, a lot less. Definitely running better when I am driving. When idling, I have to turn the damn thing off because it starts going "warmer", still cool, but you can tell.

Now, my questions to you awesome guys (and girls), what are you doing to keep that compressor and condenser 'cooler'? Do you install an after-market dual fan system maybe?

Will the Refrigerant R1234YF maybe close my small leak which the situation has created? Do you have any diagnostic ideas?

Frankly, I refuse to accept that as normal. I have had plenty of cars without any problem. My wife is from Hermosillo Mexico. When we go visit and we take the other car we sit in a 125 to 130 F heat in the car, standing idling enjoying the cold inside the car and no problem. Of course those cars have a secondary condenser cooling fan system which the 3rd gen does not have, unless I missed it somewhere and it is clogged from view.

Thanks so much!
Best Wishes
Thomas (my 2nd 3rd Gen TACO).

 

I would be upset as well. Extra warranty I guess wasn’t purchased. It is so close to the period, I suggest like myself go to the dealer and have the service advisor call Toyota, do NOT accept not covered. They mostly will do it for you. Good luck.