97 Tacoma a/c problem

had this truck for just over a year now and all of a sudden the light doesn't lite up on the a/c switch and the compressor isn't kicking in..i assume there is a clutch kick in for the compressor somewhere or maybe a fuse.. any suggestions for troubleshooting this problem?thanks..

 

Have you checked the switch? Fuse first-then switch.
Had a switch go bad on my 91.

 

take the switch out and put the two[I guess] wires together to see if compressor kicks in?

 

You might just be low on 'freon' (R134 that is). There is a sensor that prevents the compressor from coming on when it detects not enough freon. It saves the compressor from burning up.

Check the 10-amp A/C fuse first, though.

 

feel like an idiot..it was just the fuse..i posted my problem in case it wasn't a fuse and I had more things to go on..thanks guys..

 

oops..spoke too soon..fuses blow instantly...could be anything...sigh..

 

Compressor clutch would be where to start testing amp draw or shorting itself.

 

Don't want to be discouraging, but a yr ago this happened to me and in the end, the whole A/C system ended up having to be replaced. But it did have 250K miles on it.

 

ok..i'll have the clutch looked at..there's a black powder residue on the engine block next to a/c unit..thanks..

 

When, exactly, does the fuse blow?
As soon as you insert the new fuse?
When you turn the key to ACC?
When you turn the key to IGN?
When you start the truck?
When you push the A/C button after all the above?

This would help narrow it down. First stock up on 10-amp fuses.

Also, one way to eliminate the clutch as a problem, is to disconnect the connector on top of the compressor, then try the test. If the fuse does not blow, then you know its the compressor clutch (not the compressor itself).

I have replaced the clutch on my '84 4Runner. It was do-able. The FSM had the detailed instructions. I didn't need a special tool other than snap-ring pliers. Not sure if the Tacoma clutch is replace-able.

 

I put the new fuse in,crank up the engine,put blower on lowest setting and hit a/c switch..i disconnected wire to clutch,put in new fuse and fuse held..clutch I guess ....

 

with the engine off turn the compressor center only by hand and see how it feels, should rotate smooth and only feel the load of it compressing

 

ok

 

Sounds like a bad clutch coil to me. They are replaceable with the compressor on just pull the belt. And use a strap wrench or an oil filter wrench to hold the clutch while loosening the center bolt. Be careful b/c the shims will fall out when you take the clutch off the front. Don't lose them. You'll probably need snap ring pliers to pull the coil off. Good luck.

 

If you are going to try to replace the clutch, a possible short cut would be to LOOSEN the center bolt on the clutch/compressor while still on the truck with the belt still on and tight. This might work better than the method normally used, and suggested by Fordless. I think there is room.

 

You would have to jump 12v to the clutch to engage it or the hub will spin independently of the belt.

 

here is how:
minus it being on vehicle :0

http://youtu.be/xrB3pMVD4Cg

 

ok..hoped it was bad clutch.. found clutch only as most want to sell you new compressor with it..had my guy that works on my truck take off the old one and put on new one without taking compressor off..works like a champ so far..thanks for all the great comments and help..

 

Doohh !! Thanx for correcting me. Must have been thinking of the PS pump.

 

lol..