ac problem on 07...

[nissanh]

When the AC compressor turns on, it puts a significant drag on the engine.

The hi pressure line been hot is a good sign. Do you mean the condensation on the low side?

Is the hi pressure line is hot all the way to the fire wall? or do you see a significant temperature drop after passing the condenser (located in front of the radiator) or filter?

Did the dealer replace any part or was it just refill?

 

[tacoduck]

dealer didn't replace any parts. high pressure line that runs across the condenser/radiator is hot. condenser up high is hot to the touch but cools as you move down the condenser. low pressure line is cool/ not ice cold. after adding freon, its ice cold. not sure what that means...

 

[nissanh]

OK,
Have you try to add a complete can?

I recently did this to my 4runner and it was just to add SOME. It took about half of the can, about 6 oz. (to almost clear the glass on the filter). So if you are nearly out on gas, it will take close to an entire can. I used the gauge came with the can. When the gauge reached the lower end of the recommended level, the glass on the filter showed few bubbles so I stopped.

If you want to start with low expenditure, I would start from there. If it does not work, I will then evacuate the system (with a vacuum pump) and add fresh gas and then add a leak sealer (super seal) and immediately add the remaining gas to fill the system.

 

[bjarnep]

I tried holding down the climate and Recirc button and it didn't jump to the diagnostic screen. I looked at 5 of these 05-07 trucks and every one had an issue with the AC. there has to be something going on here. My 01 LC blows ICE COLD... I live in the south, dammit! I need cold AC!

Running a 07 truck in Vietnam - Ice cold both in front and rear AC, so not all of them fail )
If I leave it in max cold, I think I can raise penguins in the cabin

 

[tacoduck]

I bought a ac gas sniffer on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FYO8UL8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm going to try and track down this leak. I haven't looked at the compressor core. Im wondering if the coolant is leaking from there... truck has 260k miles on it, so I'm not opposed to replacing everything AC wise, and moving down the road.

 

[nissanh]

Believe me, my 92 corolla got 260+ miles with still the factory gas and other components. Few months ago I replaced the AC compressor bearing and the tensioner bearing, that's all! It blows ice cold air since the day I bought it.

Yes, do the test and find the leak.