Help with A/C problem

[elum]

I did a search and read a few threads but am not sure which way to proceed.

First off, I have a 1996 LX450 with 125k miles

My fan still works, however, air does not get cold when the A/C button is pressed. I believe it used to when I first got it 6 months ago but not anymore.

I first thought to refill the refridgerant, however, after thinking about it--I do not know if that is the problem. I could try and do it and see if it works, howerver, I'd like to fix it once and fix it right.

Does anyone have any input on how to best proceed?

Thanks, Eric

 

[Scamper]

Having just gone thru this, it sounds like you're low on refrigerant. The low pressure switch will ensure that the compressor does not come on to protect it. Hence, no cooling.

The easiest way to check this is to hook up some gauges to the system and check that you have a charge. I wouldn't trust the sight glass since full and empty look the same...;p

If you're low...then you have to find the leak. That's where it gets "interesting". I won't waste your time here, but likely culprits are the evaperator and condensor...or both. Also, loose couplings/fittings can be the source--you just have to find it and fix it, then evacuate and refill.

 

[elmariachi]

I used to go through this "chase da wabbit" with AC problems on my vehicles and I finally bought a set of gauges. I think I paid $60 at Harbor Freight and they have saved me a ton. Regardless of the vehicle, all AC systems work basically the same and the gauges not only help you instantly diagnose ALL problems (except where leaks are), they help you properly add refrigerant/freon if its low.

 

[elum]

What kind of gauges exactly?

I was looking online and was wondering if some one could point a good set out to me for use on my cruiser.. Thanks, Eric

 

[Beowulf]

Does anyone have any input on how to best proceed?

I would proceed with the trouble shooting section in the FSM. Before you start adding refrigerant you want to know the condition of the system. It could be as simple as needing to properly tension or replace the A/C belt; using *only* an OEM belt.

-B-

 

[Sarmajor]

80 LC Air Con

I am going through the same thing at the moment. I have had the system recharged 3 times.
1st time
System was completely empty. They pressurised it with dry nitrogen and then leak tested. The dryer was replaced and the system vacumned down and recharged. Refridgerant dye was installed at the same time.
2nd time
There was dye all over the compressor so they replaced a couple of O rings on top of the compressor and rechared the system.
3rd time.
There was still dye around the compressor so they replaced another seal (a $15 part) and recharged the system.
4th visit
They removed the cold box in the vehicle and leak tested it. They removed the evaporaterin the heater and leak tested that. The removed the condenser and leak tested that. Pressurised they system to 300 psi with dry nitrogen and installed some more dye. (I had cleaned the engine bay after 3rd time thinking all was well)
Currently the compressor clutch is disconnected and the system is slowly leaking?? and hopefully depositing dye to show us where the leak is. Dye is visible with UV light.
5th time
Well it hasn't happened yet but hopefully they will locate the leak and repair it. Current favourite for the leak is the armture seal on the compressor.

It can take a long time or a little time depending on how obvious / large the leak is.

Cheers

 

[elum]

dumb and happy...

so i'm looking in my engine.. about to do try and roll into my first oil change.. guess what i find.. my condensor/compressor belt i'm guessing... not on track..

hopefully replacing it will work.. i want the toyota oem part.. but don't really want to wait till monday.. grr..

 

[elmariachi]

I was looking online and was wondering if some one could point a good set out to me for use on my cruiser.. Thanks, Eric

Regarding gauges, I bought a set similar to these at Harbor Freight:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-...43989QQitemZ4611356318QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[CJF]

don't really want to wait till monday.

So don't. Get one from Vatozone, then replace with OEM and keep the other as a spare.

Hope that's it!

Curtis

 

[Beowulf]

i want the toyota oem part.. but don't really want to wait till monday.. grr..

Avoid the "notched" type of belt if you cannot wait for an OEM belt. If you get the notched one you should expect a big increase in noise.

-B-

 

[e9999]

I am going through the same thing at the moment. I have had the system recharged 3 times.
1st time
System was completely empty. They pressurised it with dry nitrogen and then leak tested. The dryer was replaced and the system vacumned down and recharged. Refridgerant dye was installed at the same time.
2nd time
There was dye all over the compressor so they replaced a couple of O rings on top of the compressor and rechared the system.
3rd time.
There was still dye around the compressor so they replaced another seal (a $15 part) and recharged the system.
4th visit
They removed the cold box in the vehicle and leak tested it. They removed the evaporaterin the heater and leak tested that. The removed the condenser and leak tested that. Pressurised they system to 300 psi with dry nitrogen and installed some more dye. (I had cleaned the engine bay after 3rd time thinking all was well)
Currently the compressor clutch is disconnected and the system is slowly leaking?? and hopefully depositing dye to show us where the leak is. Dye is visible with UV light.
5th time
Well it hasn't happened yet but hopefully they will locate the leak and repair it. Current favourite for the leak is the armture seal on the compressor.

It can take a long time or a little time depending on how obvious / large the leak is.

Cheers

bet they think they hit the jackpot when they got you as a customer...!

 

[Sarmajor]

My Ac saga

bet they think they hit the jackpot when they got you as a customer...!

Well seeing as there was no refridgertant at all in the system and it has no obvious leaks under a pressure test i was not expecting to much the first time around. They only charged me for the first lot of refridgerant and the conversion to 304 gas. (required here as the old gas is no longer legal) I have only been charged for the seals that they have replaced on the subsequent visits as they have not fixed the problem. Taking it back in tommorrow after having the gas and dye in there for a week and we shal see where it has leaked out. Fingers crossed!!