*Sorry for the incomplete post, I got side tracked and accidentily submitted
Th AC on my 96 hasn't worked since I got it. I rarely need to use it here in western WA, but a trip to Bozeman this summer prompted me to find out what is wrong.
The service history indicates that the PO took it to a local toyota dealership because it wasn't blowing cold air about 50,000 miles ago (summer 2005). The dealership recharged the system. The PO never returned to the dealership but I presume the system had a small leaked since it need to be recharged.
When I took ownership the AC didn't really blow cold air and it appeared to have a partial charged based on what I could see from the the sight glass (refridgerant about half way up) and that the compressor would turn on and the magnetic clutch would engage. At some point along the way the compressor stoped turning on and engaging the clutch. I'm assuming this is because the presure in the system got too low and the pressure switch prohibited the compressor from turning on. I never heard or smelled anything funny.
On friday I inspected the sight window and saw no refridgerant. I took the LC into Toyota of Seattle for a re-charge and inspection. Upon recharging the system the mechanic identified a leak on the high side of the condenser (o-ring). The compressor pressure was building too high (350psi on high side and 10-12 psi on low side). He also noted that the compressor was seizing and at times freezes the clutch and drive belt, burning up the belt. He said I will need a new compressor/clutch, condenser and receiver/dryer. Parts and labor = $1800. I know that if this is actually what needs to be done that it can be done for a lot cheaper. Based on his findings I'm also wondering if he overcharged the system.
Upon further questioning of why I would need a compressor and clutch if it was just the compressor that was bad, I found out that the clutch was working just fine. I also asked him if there was oil in the compressor and he said there was "some". When I asked why a new condenser was needed he said that particles from the compressor more that likely had clogged the condenser and it should be replace. I asked him if it was possible to remove the condenser and clean it and he said "no". I guess he's never heard of AC flush?
I asked him what harm there would be in just fixing the highside condenser o-ring and replacing the receiver and associate o-rings, which is what I'm inclined to do at this point. He said that I might be able to get another summer or two out of it but that the compressor is about to die.
So if my compressor seizes up while I'm driving down the road am I going to do damage that would prevent me from continuing on down the road or will I just be without AC for the reminder of the trip? Any and all thoughts and comments welcome. Sorry about the novel.
Dave
Th AC on my 96 hasn't worked since I got it. I rarely need to use it here in western WA, but a trip to Bozeman this summer prompted me to find out what is wrong.
The service history indicates that the PO took it to a local toyota dealership because it wasn't blowing cold air about 50,000 miles ago (summer 2005). The dealership recharged the system. The PO never returned to the dealership but I presume the system had a small leaked since it need to be recharged.
When I took ownership the AC didn't really blow cold air and it appeared to have a partial charged based on what I could see from the the sight glass (refridgerant about half way up) and that the compressor would turn on and the magnetic clutch would engage. At some point along the way the compressor stoped turning on and engaging the clutch. I'm assuming this is because the presure in the system got too low and the pressure switch prohibited the compressor from turning on. I never heard or smelled anything funny.
On friday I inspected the sight window and saw no refridgerant. I took the LC into Toyota of Seattle for a re-charge and inspection. Upon recharging the system the mechanic identified a leak on the high side of the condenser (o-ring). The compressor pressure was building too high (350psi on high side and 10-12 psi on low side). He also noted that the compressor was seizing and at times freezes the clutch and drive belt, burning up the belt. He said I will need a new compressor/clutch, condenser and receiver/dryer. Parts and labor = $1800. I know that if this is actually what needs to be done that it can be done for a lot cheaper. Based on his findings I'm also wondering if he overcharged the system.
Upon further questioning of why I would need a compressor and clutch if it was just the compressor that was bad, I found out that the clutch was working just fine. I also asked him if there was oil in the compressor and he said there was "some". When I asked why a new condenser was needed he said that particles from the compressor more that likely had clogged the condenser and it should be replace. I asked him if it was possible to remove the condenser and clean it and he said "no". I guess he's never heard of AC flush?
I asked him what harm there would be in just fixing the highside condenser o-ring and replacing the receiver and associate o-rings, which is what I'm inclined to do at this point. He said that I might be able to get another summer or two out of it but that the compressor is about to die.
So if my compressor seizes up while I'm driving down the road am I going to do damage that would prevent me from continuing on down the road or will I just be without AC for the reminder of the trip? Any and all thoughts and comments welcome. Sorry about the novel.
Dave
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