2011 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6 / AC System and Recharge Related Question

Hello Everyone,

I am kind of new here to this forum so hopefully, I am posting my question in the right forum. I owned a 2011 Tacoma 4x4 V6 TRD Sport and I am looking for information and knowledge in regards to the AC system, especially regarding recharging the AC coolant.

Roughly 4-5 months earlier, I have performed an A/C coolant recharge using A/C Pro Synthetic Coolant w/sealer. This is the first time I had to perform the AC recharge since owning the truck purchased brand new in 2011.

The AC was blowing out only hot air this week so I didn't know how long a recharge should last. I live in New Orleans so I literally have to use AC every day due to the heat and humidity here.

I would like to know, if possible, on average how long an AC recharge should last if you're using AC every day. Or if the AC coolant dissipates faster than normal, does this mean that there may be an issue with leaking coolant and/or other mechanical related issue/failure to the AC system?

Thank you,
Vinh Le
New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Get your AC system looked at as you may have a leak in the system.

 

Update: I did have the AC system check and under the hood, everything seems to be functioning correctly. The Auto Tech said that there wasn't enough coolant so he refills using his machine which is much better than the DYI A/C pro kit you get from the auto store. The initial inspection didn't reveal any leaks so he added dye and if I experience any system degrades to bring the truck back to shop to see if there is any leak. The AC is much cooler now running on 2 days since service.

 

First of all an ac system doesn’t use coolant, it uses refrigerant. If you go to a shop and ask for coolant they are gonna hand you a jug of anti freeze. Take it to a shop and have them evacuate and recharge the ac system properly, with dye and have an electronic leak test performed. They should be able to find a leak if you have one. A little refrigerant will escape over time through the front seal in the compressor, this is normal. I’m talking a small amount per year. If you are losing it in excess of a couple ounces or more a week, you have problems.

 

LOL thanks for pointing out the Vinglish! You're right, it's refrigerant. I'm crossing my fingers that there are no leaks but the next 1-2 weeks will give me a better outlook.