AC acting weird

[dzlc]

The AC on my 2013 has been acting up lately. It turns off by itself mostly within a few seconds of turning it on (engine running). Ironically the AC light stays on if running on battery (i.e. Ignition ON Engine OFF)
Any idea what's going on?

 

[LoveHateToyota]

I'd check to see if the refrigerant is visually low first. Item #1 in the attached pdf. That's the easiest to check without having to plug in diagnostic tools and dig deeper.

 

[KenB]

I’m also having the same issue with my 2013 air conditioning.

With a thermometer in the A/C vent, I can watch it shut itself off as soon the thermometer reads 45-50* F and it goes from recirculate to outside air. The OBD II most recently throws a B1422 A/C compressor lock up code. Sometimes it doesn’t throw any codes.

I’ve been working on this for awhile without success. Things I’ve done:
Made sure the cabin air filter was clean and correctly positioned.
Made sure the A/C air recirculating door is working properly.
Replaced the recirculating air servo motor (that code was thrown early in this saga).
Used Techstream to re-initialize the A/C servo motor positions.
Drew the A/C system down and refilled it with the correct amount of refrigerant. (It was originally correct - unnecessary)
Sprayed belt dressing on my nice looking serpentine belt
Checked the belt tension.
Checked the cabin air temp sensor resistance. ( installed a brake controller last year -thought I might have disturbed it)

Nothing has made a difference.

Next is borrowing a ‘scope to watch the signal coming out of the A/C compressor lock sensor. It’s supposed to send 4 pulses per revolution to the A/C amplifier assembly. If it doesn’t, compressor replacement ($$) is the solution. If the compressor reads good, Mr. T says replace the A/C amplifier assembly ($$$). I suspect it’s going to be the A/C amplifier, but am hesitant to drop nearly $500 on a hunch.

If anyone has suggestions or experience, I’d like to hear about your solution to our mutual issue.

I need to get this fixed before heading out in a few weeks for the LCDC event.

Thanks, Ken

 

[bloc]

Check for evidence of windshield leaks. Dig out the AC amp and see whether there is or has been water in the case. Seems like I remember posts of AC amp issues that were ultimately caused by sub-par windshield replacement.

 

[KenB]

Check for evidence of windshield leaks. Dig out the AC amp and see whether there is or has been water in the case.

Just removed the AC amp. No signs of water damage. The pins and plugs looked great. Took the AC amp circuit board out of the case. All the traces and components looked exactly as expected. No signs of moisture in the case. I believe water damage to my AC amp as a cause has been eliminated.

Next I’m going to check the resistance of the AC lock sensor before and after the AC shuts itself off.

Finding an oscilloscope today to check the signal is proving to be a challenge.

Anyone have other ideas or similar experiences?

 

[dzlc]

Thanks for the advice. I turned the AC on this morning at LO and it seemed to be working fine. I checked the refrigerant level and it seems to be OK. Not sure what the issue was or still is. If it happens again I'll take it to the dealership.

 

[KenB]

Thanks for the advice. I turned the AC on this morning at LO and it seemed to be working fine. I checked the refrigerant level and it seems to be OK. Not sure what the issue was or still is. If it happens again I'll take it to the dealership.

Mine turned out to be the A/C clutch relay. Start there if yours acts up again. An easy fix to at least try.

 

[dzlc]

Mine turned out to be the A/C clutch relay. Start there if yours acts up again. An easy fix to at least try.

Good to know. I'll make sure to look into that if the AC stops again...