AC guys please help

My compressor cycles properly and yes I understand how the thermistor works. And under the conditions that I was testing the system, the temperature is correct. I wasn't in a closed cabin driving on the freeway. I'm sure temps would be different on the road compared to idling in my driveway with all windows open.

 

I could guess that it would or would not, but it would only be a guess...

I don't Know if it would or not.

 

When I did my condenser I read some article that basically said when you have the gauges hook up, vehicle running and then shut it off. With in 2 min. the gauges should equalize and show the same pressure.

If the gauges don’t equalize in that time frame there’s some sort of debris. I think it said the first place to look was that filter.

 

Well my gauges did equalize within a minute or two, so I guess I could rule out a clogged filter.

 

Yeah, I do that stuff for a living and have done so for a LONG time. Recharged 5 units today, 2 were iced up from low refrigerant levels. You DO know that a low charge actually is colder at the A coil then a properly charged one and if it's under 32f [DOH!] the condensation will freeze on the A coil and turn it into a block of ice even with a clean filter. A dirty filter will just help it along faster and can also cause icing if air flow is slowed enough. It's often a combination of both, a low charge and a somewhat dirty filter.

 

Just got back from a 6hr road trip in 90 degree weather with AC on full blast, evap coil never froze, air was blowing ice cold the entire time. Not saying I don't believe you. Just saying I'm not too worried about it. Cheers

 

Good job!

 

I can't tell you much about the PSI shit and whatever, I'm not fancy, and I didn't feel like reading 5 pages, so I might not have much to offer, but here's a good course of action that's cheap (I might not know numbers well, but I know how the Toyota A/C systems work pretty well and have replaced some parts before)

As far as diagnosing, pay attention to your cycles. If you feel like as the compressor cycles it's pulling too much power, something's up. Could be over or under charge. Definitely check your levels and see if anything is low. It's always worth throwing in UV dye even if you're a little low, it's like 7 bucks at o'rileys. Another thing to take note of is the A/C compressor might cycle even with just fans on, but not the A/C engaged. Idk if that's true for the Tacoma, but it is for a lot of Toyotas in general. Take a look at the compressor clutch and see if it looks all rusty, if they start to go out they can cause issues before they start making noise or anything like that.
Anyways, do the dye test, if you're not seeing anything then it's probably the compressor or expansion valve. The compressor is easy to replace, you WILL have to go to a shop (sorry) for them to at least drain and refill your refrigerant... at least you should, if you don't want to freeze a pair of gloves illegally draining then try to re-pressurize the system correctly. Oh yeah, and that uv dye will get absolutely everywhere if you drain the system yourself, not to mention it takes a while and it is noxious.
Anyways, compressor replacement is simple enough and any compressor kit will come with an expansion valve, expansion valves themselves are pretty cheap, but are a pain to get to.
If it's the expansion valve causing issues though, I don't think the compressor would be cycling as much as it should if that makes sense. Either way, if one is bad, the other is probably on its way out too. The expansion valve being stuck will strain your compressor, and usually by the time a compressor is bad the valve should just be changed anywho.

 

and wtf?

 

Yeah. That wall of text made no sense to me either... I read it three times and I'm still like

 

Edited it a little, I realize I jump around a bit but the whole idea is there. I've helped a few other people diagnose their issues with A/C systems before, so idk if I really messed up and it's time for bed or what but if OP thinks it's psycho babble then he can skip past it, lol.

 

I appreciate the help, but yea I got it fixed a couple pages back, but yea the culprit was a leaky hose. I used a blacklight to check what I thought was oil and it sure was bright green dye. I replaced the hose and the expansion valve along with all the surrounding O-rings and hose O-rings as well as the filter inside the manifold. Reconnected, pulled a 30min vacuum, confirmed no leaks, recharged with 21oz of R134a and she's as cold as ice.

Anyways, I appreciate your the help. Cheers!