2019 Taco AC issues

I am only getting cold air from the vent on the drivers far side. The Valvoline Instant oil change shop told me that only certain Valvoline shops can service my truck because it has a new refrigerant type. What type of refrigerant is needed and does anyone have any opinions on Valvoline for service? They charge $250.00 for AC service. My dealer takes forever to get an appointment (3 weeks ) so I am reluctant to go there. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

2019 would have R1234yf refrigerant, it's pretty expensive at around $6/oz.

Your saying the air is cold on the driver's side and progressively gets warmer toward the passenger side?

 

Yes, exactly.

 

Doesnt sound like a low on refrigerant problem. Maybe a blend door

 

Even the cold side is not as cold as it was when it was new. Do you suggest I go to the dealer? I know absolutely nothing about AC

 

If you don't have dual zone that's a classic symptom of low refrigerant, I wouldn't continue to run the system with low refrigerant as you risk damaging the compressor.

It's best to leave A/C work to a shop, need to do a leak search and try to find the leak first.

 

Agreed. Sounds like low refrigerant. Had this same issue. Was a microscopic puncture in one of the lines. Took 2 years to really start blowing warm air.

Find the leak don't just recharge it with new refrigerant or you'll be back to square one soon.

The shop will likely put UV dye in it and have you run for a few days and come back

 

It’s not dual zone.

 

Most automotive A/C systems built after 2012 have dye from the factory, I'm almost certain all 1234Yf systems have factory dye.

 

If it has dye in it would I be able to detect a leak myself?

 

Yes if it's in a visible location, the dye will glow bright green under UV light.

 

Valvoline charges 250.00. I don’t know if they check for leaks or just re-charge it

 

Thanks for all the info.

 

I had a leak in my evaporator 2 years ago… I added dye and saw it dripping out of the water drain. Had dealer replace it and it was $2,000.

just this week I took it to an independent Toyota shop. Leaking compressor and condenser. Another $2600.
Completely ridiculous for a modern vehicle to have this many AC leaks IMO.

 

Probably just recharge for that price. Call them and ask them..

Getting a shop to actually try and find a leak is tough. If they don't get lucky and see something quick and obvious it's really easy to go down the rabbit hole and start throwing parts.