Air Conditioning Problem

[jayfrem]

Hi There

Yesterday AC on my FJ ( 2009 86 k km 53 k miles) started to feel less cold.

It gets pretty hot where i am in Saudi around 32-37 C most of the year (90-100 F ).

Toyotas are known to have the most durable and cold AC here in the Gulf.
My FJ AC has always been pretty cold and i would leave it on position low or at most medium.

Is it normal to get low on Gas without leaks ?
Could it be condenser issue?

Pls advise.

Jay





FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

 

[SammyT96LX450]

Check your cabin filter

 

[jayfrem]

Already did and changed it but no improvement.

Is it normal to add refrigerant to the AC after 5 years ?

What else to check ?

Jay


FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

 

[SammyT96LX450]

Since you live in Saudi I would inspect the ac condenser fins for any bends or damage. Take a garden house at low pressure at clean it out really good as well. If that is not the problem you could be low on gas and might have a pin hole somewhere. Do you have an aftermarket bumper by chance.

 

[jayfrem]

Do you i need to take out the grill to reach the AC condenser fins ?

Are AC gas leaks common on FJ cruiser....

No after market bumper all stock and AC has never been touched.



FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

 

[SammyT96LX450]

No not really. With aftermarket bumpers sometimes when people don't bend the line enough the aftermarket bumper can rub a pin hole through the ac line. You should be able to get to it and wash it out just by removing the grill which is easy to do. There are just a bunch of plastic fasteners to get the grill off. You can you tube it or search it on google if you get stuck. I hope this helps.

 

[jayfrem]

I did have a look at the condenser yes it s bit dusty but not a lot.

The grill can be taken off two screws and two plastic pin.

I m afraid with a low pressure hose to make matters worse.

Would i point the water hose at the fins ?

Again AC works but not cold enough as it used to be.

Here are few pics:

FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

 

[SammyT96LX450]

Yep point the hose right at it at low pressure and wash it out really good. If that does not fix it have your system tested to see if you have any leaks or are low on gas. Good luck

 

[jayfrem]

Is it normal that ac systems need gas top up every 4-5 years ?


FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

 

[SammyT96LX450]

Is it normal that ac systems need gas top up every 4-5 years ?


FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

I don't know the answer to that.

 

[jayfrem]

One thing noticed in the AC passenger AC outlets cool better than driver side.

Any ideas ?


FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

 

[SammyT96LX450]

That's weird. I'm not sure.

 

[jayfrem]

Guys anyone can help ?
AC blowing colder on passenger side and less cold on driver side.

Searched on google and other forums only found a you tube video showing the symptoms without any solution.

Could it be low gas in system ?



FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

 

[Mtbcoach]

Are talking same air flow but at a lower temp or is the air flow lower and lower temp. Do you notice any difference for heat as compared to AC?

How are you validating this, just by the feel of your hand in the air? Not trying to be a d!ck, its a relatively simple system and mine was always very efficient.

I always try to eliminate the obvious, I'd guess that a re-charge after 5 years of high use is not out of the ordinary...

 

[BMThiker]

Mine started losing coolant last summer. Tried every known sniffing trick to find a leak and could not. Recharged it and it lasted all summer.

...cut to this summer and tried the AC for the first time in 9 months. Coolant leaked down again. Tried sniffing out the leak again and no luck. Recharged it this summer and so far its still cooling effectively.

 

[jayfrem]

Did not try the heat.

I only notice difference in coldness with AC by hand between left and right air outlets.

I could use a temp infra red to see the difference in temperature.

Could this be still be caused by low gas ?

Jay




FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

 

[jayfrem]

Any help on this issue?

 

[jayfrem]

Sent the FJ to the dealership today in Saudi.

They did quick checks and mentioned the evaporator needs to be changed and is leaking.

For some reason they do not recharge systems....

Cost around $1200 parts and labor.

Is it normal with Toyota reliability and low mileage of 90 000 km to have evaporator fail so early ?

Is this a know issue with FJ ? Mine is a 2009.

Should i try to recharge or go ahead and change the condenser ?

AC is always turned on as temperature is between 85 and 100 F at all times.


FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

 

[jayfrem]

I ended up recharging the system with gas.
AC is blowing ice cold now. Let s see if it leaks out.

I have heard of FJ wearing out evaporators after 3-4 years in Saudi. We keep AC on at all times.

How can i detect the leak if any ?

I looked at the AC inflow it is cold and condensating. There is a clear lense where you can see the gas.

I do not see a constant flow. It flows, than slows down sort of bubble.

Appreciate your input.

Jay





FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"

 

[jayfrem]

AC still blowing cold after adding gas ....found some Toyota documentation to test for leaks:

Turn on blower to high
Open all doors
Engine at 1500 Rpm

You should get a constant stream on the clear lense. No bubbles.

So far i do not seem to have a leak.

Let s wait and see.....if it worked would have saved 1000$ of evaporator and labor....




FJ cruiser 2009 Stock
Jeep LJ Rubicon on 36"