A/C issue

2018 Sport with 80k on the dash that I bought brand new. Being in Michigan I rarely ever turn the A/C on, I actually cannot even remember the last time I tried it.... Fast forward to this week of hell, and 90 degree weather, I have found out that it does not blow cold anymore. Is it worth trying out one of those over the counter charge kits? Or bite the bullet and bring it in to see what is going on?

 

That is a sealed system, so if you have no freon then you probably have a leak somewhere.

 

There's a TSB out for the AC whistle. See if you can replicate procedure 1 that's listed.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10207964-9999.pdf

 

Thanks for the quick replies! I will try to see if there is the "whistle" present. I am cheap... if there is a leak and its all gone its back to the windows down and arm out the window!! I do not see the value of fixing something that has really never been used in almost 6 years of owning the truck!

 

The value will become evident if you ever decide to sell the truck. I personally would never buy a vehicle with a non working AC.

 

AC should be exercised on a regular basis to keep the system lubricated. In fact, it should be running in winter with your heat to make the defrost work well (by design, not by your choice)

You've lost refrigerant. A proper fix is in order

 

if you dont use it the seals will contract some and freon will slowly leak out, just get it recharged and use it and see how it does

 

Exactly, it could be lack of coolant, leak or compressor. Unless your willing to discount the truck $1500. I’d get it fixed. Plus. Maybe it’s global warming and you just started getting warm weather

 

Not

so you’ve never used your defroster? That uses the ac.

 

Mine had a leaking 0 ring on the high compression line.

 

This is what i would do. check with auto parts person to make sure it works for Toyota.

 

What he said. Will tell you on the cheap, how big your problem is.

First I would remove the cap from the line on the system, and press the schrader valve open for a second; see if there is any pressure in the system at all? If there is near zero pressure, then get professional help, or decide to never have AC again.(explained below)

If there is pressure at the schrader, then you might only need a little freon, because the compressor will not be allowed to run unless the system has enough static pressure for the computer to allow the compressor. You may find just a little added freon puts you back in service, and that probably also means the leak is very small; and that little charge may hold for the whole season. If you find you need a lot of freon to get the compressor to start; that indicates a bigger leak, and this will be a very short term solution. At least now you know how bad it is. Buy a single can, and if that is not enough, then the leak is too big to ignore, so don't bother adding any more, you need parts replaced. At this point, also know that after the system pressure goes to near zero, the system will start to absorb moisture and possibly dirt; this adds considerable damage to the system, and will shorten the system life, after repairs. If you find the system needs parts, then fixing sooner is better than later. Enough moisture or dirt in the system and even a professional repair and charge, will be short lived.

When you add freon, the gauge provided is a poor reference, just add while engine running and AC on high, and windows open. Keep adding till the compressor starts (holding the can upside down will fill faster (liquid), with also warming the can and shaking it vigorously), after the compressor is running, turn the can upright and read the gauge, keep adding with can upright till the needle moves up a bit, a few ticks, and call it quits. Too much is not better, and without proper gauges and knowing both humidity and temperature; let the computer inform you when you are at the minimum, and just add a little more than that.

Best of luck!!

 

My wife's 14 Kia Forte AC started blowing like warm last year,I bought a can of AC freon at WalMart with gauge and added it to the car and it will almost numb you from the cold air..still going strong 1 year later...

Try that before anything else it may be just low of freon the total cost was around $35

 

I will add that when you hook up the gauge, if it does say low, you do need refrigerant.

Don't go past 50 PSI. Why it leaks, is another story. Good Luck

 

This exact product is what worked for us. We used AC daily for 9 years thru the Summers
The only thing I can think of is the freon must eventually evaporate and needs to be recharged.

Give it a shot...

 

If it's sealed properly, it will never lose refrigerant. My Whirlpool refrigerator is 34 years old, looks like hell, but works like new.

Its's the o-rings in automotive A/C's that go bad with all the vibrations, heat & age.

Make sure you put the plastic cap back on the port. Those Schrader valves usually leak slightly.

 

OK, to answer some questions-

1. Yes, I do use the defrost in winter and it makes an odd noise when first starting turning on. I just noticed this the last winter.
2. I tried to mimic the TSB mentioned above. In my limited mechanic knowledge the compressor did not turn on. It made an odd, maybe "whistling" noise, the whole time I held it at 3k RPM. If I turned the air off the RPM dropped and vise versa when turned back on
3. Sounds like buying a can of the charging stuff is worth exploration
4. When I sell the vehicle I would disclose the AC does not work. In Michigan that is not a deal breaker by any means to people... I would even go as far as to have it looked at before selling and have an estimate of repairs. Maybe its not $1500 and only $500? Take that off my price all ya want.
5. Global warming? Meh... not looking to debate that here.

 

System is sealed, it is either a failed seal, or leaking compressor (expensive), or pinhole in the condenser (moderately expensive). If it is a hole in the condenser, it is probably from a stone while driving, in that case you can call your insurance company saying a rock or stone put a hole in the ac condenser, pay your comprehensive deductible, (usually the lesser of the two deductibles), and get it fixed.

I too live in Michigan, and with our humidity, there is no way I would buy, or drive an auto, without A/C.

Good luck, and report back your findings, to help others. If you go the "add freon yourself method"... Make sure you buy the correct freon for your application. The newer R1234yf freon, is VERY EXPENSIVE, and not compatible with R134a. Ski

 

When my AC system failed, I found the Schrader valve sealing had slow leaks. I replaced them with new ones along with the new caps, then evacuated the entire system, added 21 oz. - 22 oz of freon (which indicated in the sticker under your hood that tells you the exact amount).
It’s been working fine since.

 

Yeah, if you put soapy water on the Schrader valve, you know the rest.