AC won’t turn off...

[Ninja Cruiser100]

On my trip yesterday Nashville to Houston I could not get my ac to turn off. I’ve only had the car a couple of months and recall being able to get the light on the climate screen to turn off. Ideas?

Seems odd but I’m sure I’m missing something. Thanks in advance.

 

[TonyP]

Is your cool box on?

 

[tbisaacs]

If your cool box is on the AC will not fully turn off.

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

If your cool box is on the AC will not fully turn off.

Is your cool box on?

Doh...

Thanks.

 

[TonyP]

Only reason I know; I've been there

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

Thanks Tony. I am relieved it was that simple. I had visions of a bad switch or relay all the way back.

 

[Markuson]

Thanks Tony. I am relieved it was that simple. I had visions of a bad switch or relay all the way back.

No “Doh!” required...
It’s a very non-intuitive quirk...and the coolbox power light isn’t visible without lifting the lid. We all had to learn this little truck at some point bc it’s odd.

 

[mtweller]

I ran into the same issue my first week of ownership. Funny story, my 69 year old mother found it in the manual while I was driving.

 

[Markuson]

I ran into the same issue my first week of ownership. Funny story, my 69 year old mother found it in the manual while I was driving.

Ha!
That’s awesome!
Way to go mom!

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

I ran into the same issue my first week of ownership. Funny story, my 69 year old mother found it in the manual while I was driving.

Nice.

 

[slicky rick]

I wonder why they are it that way.. the combos taes priority over everything else

 

[Markuson]

I wonder why they are it that way.. the combos taes priority over everything else

It's because the cool box with it's full, mini cooling system within the larger AC refrigerant setup still relies on the main refrigerant compressor to keep cooling. So... to avoid surprises, they make you knowingly turn off the cool box.

I think the assumption by many (myself included) was that it's merely blowing cooled air. Yes it does that, but it gets far colder than what comes out your vents. **It's a pretty serious setup under there.
I recently had to fully tear open my cool box...and come to find out that it's got its own own decompression/cooking grill within the cool-box housing, and coolant lines run directly to it for a dedicated refrigeration of its own. That's why it can get so much colder than the air coming out the vents.

It does seem an odd priority, but it's not like there is a "standard practice" in the industry, because--how many vehicles have a refrigerator built in?? So they did what made sense to them

I actually like it this way, since a passenger (or the driver!) might otherwise Poke the AC Off button when they feel too cold, and then be surprised to find warm drinks or food...

Anyway... Now you know!

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

I saw your write up, complete with naked pics of you coolbox. It looked like quite the undertaking.

 

[Markuson]

I saw your write up, complete with naked pics of you coolbox. It looked like quite the undertaking.

Ya, it's a horrifying PITA. But man does it ever get cold now!!!
(go have Toyota completely drain your AC...vacuum air/moisture out...then fully recharge...and your AC will suddenly be Super Man)

 

[UCrazyKid]

I’m really grateful this thread exists or I would be pulling my hair out trying to figure this one out.
Thanks Mud!

 

[99toylc]

LOL! This was the problem we encountered about 50 miles into the trip home after picking up the truck from the former owner... took me 8 hrs to connect the dots and figure it out... boy am I glad I am not the only one !!