2016 AC Issues

Hello,

I'm hoping someone here can offer me information regarding the inability of the compressor to remain operational. I have the electronic service manual but have not consulted it yet. I will be doing so this evening and tomorrow in the hope that I can resolve this soon as summer temperatures have arrived.

Please let me know.

 

Gona need more info here.

Is your A/C light flashing when it quits?

Does it cool fine when it works?

Do you have gauges to check system pressures?

 

I do not own gauges. I do not drive the truck routinely. My son tells me he hears the compressor turn on but about 5 minutes later it shuts off. No lights come on in the instrument cluster. If necessary I'll drive it this evening to provide further feedback.

Concerns began last fall when it did not seem to cool as well as it did when I purchased in the fall of 2022. However, the system did cool.

 

In that case we need to start with checking the refrigerant level, you will either need to get a shop to do this or have service gauges to see system pressures.
Cost will depend if it's a R134a system or R1234yf system, the R1234yf equipment and refrigerant is much more expensive than R134a.

You can do some quick checks such as making sure the radiator and condenser are clean and free of debris, that the cooling fan is operating properly, and your cabin air filter is clean but otherwise a scan tool and/or A/C equipment will likely be needed to track this down.

 

I just started the truck and engaged AC. It shuts off immediately, The compressor clutch does not engage.

 

The fan everything shuts off or it blows air but doesn't cool?

 

I see no indication of which refrigerant is in the system. I would expect a label under the hood correct? My 2016 features the manual A/C system. Does this indicate refrigerant?

 

The compressor clutch does not engage. The engine cooling fan is fine. You hear the cooling fan clutch at engine start and you also hear it free wheel shortly after engine start because the engine is still warm.

Yes, air blows through the HVAC ducts as desired.

Recommendations for scan tool? Gauges? As in brands to pursue, etc. I guess I'm going to learn AC diagnostics...

 

There should be a label under the hood, 2016 could have either system. If not you have to identify it by the service ports.

So it would seem we probably have a loss of refrigerant or a sensor issue.

 

Pictures of H/L ports attached at condenser and near cabin panel on passenger side.

 

Can you direct me to the sensors or are these required to be evaluated only be a scanner?

 

Hard to tell for sure but looks like 134a fittings.

There really isn't anything on a 3rd gen system I know of that can be bypassed to check, really need a scan tool to see what the modules are seeing. I wish it wasn't that way but the reality is your basically blind without a good scan tool to see what the inputs and outputs are doing on an electronically controlled vehicle.

Does your ambient air temp display the correct temperature?

 

Looks like one of AC pipes are pitted near fill ports. I recommend you have a shop check out AC system in your 3rd gen Tacoma, but not the dealer. Dealer will charge your arm, and leg for repair.

 

I believe it's 1234yf , but check the owners manual.

 

Yes, ambient air T= 83F. I accidentally cracked the L fitting and closed it instantly. I heard 'hiss' but this does not mean anything. It may not be the correct pressure. These fittings/caps are ~ 2cm in diameter if their size helps to determine the refrigerant.

The 'L' fitting max is ~ 14mm in diameter and the 'H' fitting is ~ 17mm at max diameter if this helps.

 

I see nothing in the owner's manual stipulating the refrigerant. This is not listed in the AC section or specifications.

 

That's odd. I'm too lazy to thumb through my owners manual, but I did find this sticker under the hood of my 2017. (1234yf)

 

Short cycling is often (not always) a sign of low refrigerant. Get it to a good shop to diagnose.
IF it is low on refrigerant, where did it go? Before you bother refilling.

 

I stated previously my hood lacks this sticker. I knew it should feature one but I have also found other indications the dealer I purchased it from is not rigorous in disclosure...

 

Agreed