2011 Taco AC mystery

Wow - really? I had never heard this before. That's good to know

 

Many vehicles since the mid 2000s have factory dye, most but not all vehicles made after 2010 do.
From what I've read on here most 2nd gen Tacoma's have factory dye added.

 

I wanted to also ask you guys, what "linkage" is being referred to here - bonus if anyone has a picture of it! :

my truck is now fixed and the actuator was not the problem, but it had the same symptom of this thread. It would work sometimes, and not others. My actuator was moving back and forth no problem, out of the vehicle. I took it apart and cleaned it like this thread explaines to do. Turns out my problem was in all the linkage underneath the heater box. I lubed all of the hinges and the cable, and worked the linkage back and forth until it freed up - from: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ac-blend-door-actuator-problem.532476/

 

I'm not sure as that is a 1st gen, I'm asuming the linkage to the heater control valve (which the 2nd gen trucks dont have).

2nd gen trucks don't have any linkage on the HVAC system, in the case of the temperture actuator it drives a cam that moves the door, the mode door actuator drives a cam that moves multiple doors in sequence, the recirc door actuator is physically attached to the door and moves it directly.
It's not very common for the cams and levers that move the doors to break or bind up on 2nd gen trucks but it has happened.

 

Update:

Looking at the recirc and two panel control actuators, all modes and function seems to be perfect and all in correct position. All modes are flawless and clean with no grinding, noises, etc.

Here's a picture of it on full cold, face vent, recirc closed

 

Also, suction line mentioned previously is NOT cold with AC running on high. Are we thinking refrigerant at this point? And is it safe to buy a self serve can and do it, or should it be hooked up to a machine and serviced?

 

If it’s that low, a “DIY in a can” isn’t likely to work.
I’d spend the money and fix it right the first time.

 

Right on brother. Thanks for the help you guys. Looks like I'm taking it in Monday.

 

I think it’s money we’ll spent. I dislike AC work. Mostly because I don’t know what I’m doing.

 

Thanks for clearing that up and for all of your help bro.

Let me ask one last general maintenance question - where is the outside air intake located that goes through the cabin filter? My old filter was absolutely filthy with leaves and debris - I want to stick a vacuum hose in wherever I need to and suck all that crap out. Unless there are better suggestions?

 

It's under the wiper cowl, many people put a screen over it to keep leaves and rodents out. There's some threads about it on here if you do a bit of searching or I'm sure @TnShooter will post a link to one here in a bit.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cabin-air-intake-screen-mod.566441/

 

UPDATE: I forgot to post a final update on what the issue was. She was definitely leaking refrigerant. I didn't get a picture of the old hose, but here is the new one installed. The old one was covered in freon and green factory dye. Replaced it, charged up the system = ice cold again!

 

You have a leak somewhere in your AC system. Your charge is low, which is indicative of having cold air out of one vent and warmer air from another.
You can add a dye to the system; any leaks will show up under a uv/black light.

 

I know it’s been a while but can you explain removing the duct? I can see 2 clips but can’t get the top one to release.

 

Not really sure how to explain it but I just fiddled with it a bit and they released.