A/C issues (1 Viewer)

[jayfrem]

Hi there

My 2009 FJ A/C is bot blowing cold anymore.

Recharged system twice already and lasting me 5-6 months each time.
I am stationed in Saudi so AC is needed all year.

FJ has been not driven much as i have been on travel for work.

Last time dealership wanted to change evaporator .....
I am wondering if leak can be detected and fixed.

Are FJ known to have evaporator issues ?

 

[BMThiker]

I had to have mine serviced last year after doing the same thing, topping off the refrigerant twice in one summer. For me it was the evaporator core that was leaking. It's a big deal because it's mounted behind the dash and they basically have to remove all of your dash to get to it.

 

[jayfrem]

Wow a lot of dismantling.

Two of my buddies in Saudi had to do the same thing change the evaporator.
Strange they are going bad so quickly.

How much did you cost you to repair ? Was it done at Toyota dealership ?

 

[BMThiker]

I took it to an Air Conditioning specialist near where I work. I think it cost about $1200.

 

[holmanm]

...
I am wondering if leak can be detected and fixed.

...

Find a garage that will put dye in the system, then use it for a couple of days and then you or the garage should be able to find the leak by checking for the dye.

 

[winnie]

wow ... didn't like seeing that pic with the dash torn out ... that spells nightmare if the tech isn't paying attention putting it back together ... looks like a big buck repair at the stealership ...

 

[BMThiker]

He did muck up my rear locker and atrac switches but I got them sorted out

 

[jayfrem]

He did muck up my rear locker and atrac switches but I got them sorted out

Is it normal for evaporator to wear sown on FJ or are the leaks mainly from evaporators and they are hard to detect and fix that shops just change the whole thing ?

 

[BMThiker]

Previously, I did the whole sniffer test and came up with no leaks. After recharging coolant a couple times at my regular mechanic shop, we used the sniffer inside the cabin, but couldn't locate a leak at first. The evap core is so far up behind everything it's hard to detect. Went to an AC specialist at that point and they confirmed the issue. I guess if you don't have any leaks at the compressor or hoses, then there isn't much left to check on. It's a process of elimination more than a "weak link" scenario.