a/c issue

so i went to turn on my a/c for the first since about early last fall
and it started off warm, so i gave it a few min to try and run and cool down. ran for about 15 - 20 min and nothing, just blows warm air

any thoughts or ideas?

thanks -Nick

 

You have a leak. Time to run some dye through it.

 

No freon?

 

see if your compressor kicks on first before you go start looking for leaks.

 

Check fuses first.

 

I used to have a similar problem on a old mercury of mine. The compressor clutch would stick and I'd have to take a hammer and tap it a few times to get it running. Like the guy before said, check the compressor and make sure it's engaging. Then check for leaks and then have it charged. What year is your pick up? Can't tell since in on my phone.

 

I have a similar problem on a 96 Lumina. Check and make sure the compressor clutch works, because sometimes with low freon, there isn't enough pressure to push the clutch. Otherwise, check for a leak using some freon with dye. We connected the clutch directly through a switch on the dash to have manual control and that doesn't do it either. So, fill up with freon, it should work. If after a few days you lose cooling again, you have a leak. Hope it helps.

 

Freon is'nt that expensive. If none of your fuses are blown go to an auto parts store. If they do it for free, have them run your codes and see if an error comes up. If no codes, try charging it. If it works and keeps working, the freon was just low. If it works temp and gets warm again, then you have a leak. The $30-40 it would cost for the can is still cheaper then taking it to a mechanic. Unless you have a buddy that is a mechanic, then buy him a 6-pack and have him check it out!

 

its a 2006 Tacoma access cab

 

In order to get this fixed properly and without doing damage to the compressor, you must get it fixed at a shop that has an A/C machine. If the compressor does not kick on, its most likely because of low charge. There is a switch in the system that shuts off the compressor if it is too low on charge as that can cause damage to the compressor. Obviously if the system is low there is a leak somewhere. That will need to be fixed. To fix the leak you must open the system which requires removing all the freon first. After it has been fixed the system must be put into a deep vacuum to remove all the air that has been introduced into the system. Then charged to the correct level.

Trust me.. you don't want to try this yourself and end up destroying your compressor.