2017 TRD air conditioner failure x2

1st compressor failure fixed in August 2021 under warranty. 2nd failure fixed in December 2023. The same Toyota service center fixed both. Are the compressors in the Taco that weak?

 

No
It makes me wonder if the initial problem was found, or a parts replacer got some warranty work and kicked the can.

 

welcome

the AC is a bit undersized but 2 failures is odd (even here on hypersensitive TW)
what kind of failures?

 

If the system isn’t cleaned properly after a failure it leaves debris lodged in lines , evaporators ,condensers etc that will cause another failure.

 

Good point! I think these systems are extremely sensitive to contamination. Could be a good diagnostic,,, bad install. Or flat bad luck, it happens.

 

1st was compressor seized and small leak at condenser. Everything was replaced. Km 116984
2nd was compressor clutch locked up and needed new compressor. Km 196139

 

On the 2nd repair work order 'says evac a/c, re compressor and clutch. and recharge, 1234-yf'
1st repair the work order said 'replaced ac condenser, o rings, and compressor' then it has the individual parts listed. This was the warranty repair

 

What the heck, never heard of two compressors going out so easily. I think I know what the problem was. Older 17’ Tacomas use R134a, and late ‘17’s use 1234-yf. Check the label under your hood to be sure, that was a changeover year. I also bet they didn’t put any oil in it with the new condenser either.

 

The first compressor failure was probably caused by the condenser leaking. Refrigerant carries the oil around the system so if it's low the compressor probably left the chat. For a clutch sticking on which is how i'm understanding the issue, unless water got into the face and seized the clutch to the pulley that usually a sticking relay or something.

Overall though i'd chaulk it up to bad Juju

 

Thanks. I'm hoping it's not a 2 year thing.

 

A successful A/C Compressor repair requires more than just the compressor! Always flush the system and replace the small components that cannot be flushed -- A/C Expansion Valve (or A/C Orifice Tube) and A/C Receiver Drier / Accumulator(or A/C Receiver Drier Desiccant Element) -- to prevent old contaminants from damaging your new compressor. Replacement of these components is often required to satisfy a manufacturer warranty claim.

 

My ‘16 uses 1234.

 

Huh, guess there were several versions floating around. My 17’ was new when I bought it and uses R134a

 

Doesn’t the compressor have a shutoff circuit if the refrigerant pressure is too low? Wouldn’t that protect it from running dry?

 

Yes,there’s a pressure switch ,but my guess is there was still pressure in the system but that the internals of the pump were contaminated with debris from the first pump which eventually caused the failure of the second.

 

Yes there is but, to add to wayupnort, if it's a slower leak or hot enough, it can have enough pressure to still run as normal but with not enough refrigerant/oil flow to adequately lubricate the compressor