AC intermittently working (1 Viewer)

[skyehunter]

I have a 98' SR5 4Runner 4x4 auto 3.4L. Just did an ac recharge from a 16 oz can due to ac cutting out. It worked for a few days after fill then stopped for one day, worked the next few days, then stopped again today. When it works it blows good COLD air, nothing but ambient air when not working. Any suggestions on where to go from here? Fletcher guys said something about a switch in the engine compartment??? The compressor seems to shut on and off every 15 to 30 seconds while the dash switch is in on position, dash light does light up correctly??? Do i need more 134A??? ANY SUGGESTIONS?

 

[IanB]

I have a 98' SR5 4Runner 4x4 auto 3.4L. Just did an ac recharge from a 16 oz can due to ac cutting out. It worked for a few days after fill then stopped for one day, worked the next few days, then stopped again today. When it works it blows good COLD air, nothing but ambient air when not working. Any suggestions on where to go from here? Fletcher guys said something about a switch in the engine compartment??? The compressor seems to shut on and off every 15 to 30 seconds while the dash switch is in on position, dash light does light up correctly??? Do i need more 134A??? ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Get your hands on the service manual, and follow the troubleshooting steps for the AC system, or pay a shop to diagnose. There is no way someone can tell you from the info provided what the problem is. Good luck!

I've done similar troubleshooting on my '99 Acura 1.6EL (mechanically a civic). I had a seized AC clutch pully, and a failed ecu that only seemed to effect the AC system, otherwise the car ran great. No way I could have figured it out without following the troubleshooting steps in the service manual. You'll need a multimeter for sure.

 

[raydouble]

Diagnostics.....here
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/fsm/repair.html

 

[skyehunter]

Thx for diagnosis info..

 

[skyehunter]

....any other suggestions, had 134a recharged. Dye included, No leaks showing up. ran for few days and went on a trip to Young, and of course the 3 hour drive back, no F*^%$#@ing AC. just runs when it wants to and not when i want it to. Either works good or not at all. I also pulled battery, wiggled/cleaned all electrical connectors in system.....AC compressor is turning on when switch pushed....kind of at a loss what next......i have a meter, but wud like to have a guess where to start poking it....and of course, seems to not work when hot out.

 

[kmann]

hey skyehunter, did you find a solution? i have same vehicle, and same problem. stops blowing cold air when the engine gets hot, or outside temperature is really hot. when it stops blowing cold air, the clutch is not engaged. tested the wire to the clutch, and it's not getting power when the clutch stops. anyone?

 

[Brake Weight]

I park my truck outside the garage and the two cars inside. When it's hot, been breaking records here recently in the 100s, I'll shoot my water hose on the radiator/condenser on start up and it cools immediately and stays cold. Just a thought. If I'm in a hurry and don't do this, it takes a few minutes to get cold.

 

[skyehunter]

...no fix yet. I have concluded that it only stops working when the ambient temp is HOT, probably around 95+ degrees. Not sure why, but of course that is really when I need it.....Still lookin for a fix...plus, when it deceides to stop working it won't work at all till it is damn ready, usually the next day, no matter how much i try to cool by driving or hosing her down

 

[skyehunter]

Just in case someone else finds this thread with the same issue. It appears it was the Expansion Valve. Pulled her apart yesterday swapped in a new valve and did a good long evac. Nice cold air Thanks for all the help, time to get back on the trails without eatin all that dust. Now hopefully she stays cool

 

[fsusteve]

was my first thought, expansion valve.