What's overcharged on the A/C system?

[aaronrules]

So it's Africa hot here in Arkansas...I hate it. I understand the fact that it's hot and my A/C may not be very effective against 100 degree temps outside. But I bought one of those recharge bottles today and this is was the reading on the gauge. Is this overcharged? How accurate can I expect one of these gauges to be?

Should I just shut up and deal with the fact that it's hot as balls outside?

One more reason to move to Colorado or back to Washington!

 

[Mike6158]

The dial setting is low. Filled falls between the two red lines when the dial is set to the outside air temperature

 

[aaronrules]

So if the gauge is correct, then my system is right on the money?

 

[Mike6158]

It's at the high end of the charged range. Not too high, just at the upper end of charged.

 

[billygoats]

FWIW, at 115F in cali a couple weeks ago, my a/c was working so well inside that I was getting chilly. Toyota A/C is phenomenal.

 

[feddomw]

The 100 was designed to transport 7 sheiks on tour through the Middle Eastern deserts in cool comfort (Jeremy Clarksons words, not mine).

It may be hot in Arkansas, but A/c should still be able to cope easily....

 

[cwmoser]

Measure the differential between the outside temperature and the temperature coming
out of the vents on maximum AC and fan setting. I use a digital meat thermometer
to get both readings. I would think you should see a 40F difference.

 

[abuck99]

Recirculate

 

[ihadmail]

Those recharge kits are worthless. Take it to a mechanic you trust and have them pump down and refill the system to determine if it truly is low/high.

 

[feddomw]

^^^^ this.

Off the top of my head fill is an insane amount. I believe mine needs like 1200 grams. A/c, rear a/c , and center console fridge. Front & rear a/c is already 1100+ grams iirc.

 

[cwmoser]

"center console fridge" ??? Whats that?

 

[PADDO]

Speaking from experience it's far to easy to overcharge your system using off the shelf can+gauge combo kits. Tried it, screwed it up because it's oh so tempting to "just add a bit more 'cause it'll be even better". Wrong. Following the bubbles in the site glass as per the FSM might get you close but to echo what others have said: take it to someone who is trained and experienced with auto AC and have them draw down and weigh in the correct charge. A properly charged and functioning 100/470 AC will well and truly manage 100+F, no problem at all.

 

[ponytl]

I'm in the same heat as you... I'm in Memphis and Arkansas and my LC blows chunks of Ice out the vents at times, Check your cabin filters just in case they are restricting air flow... if you still have an issue PM me there are ways to get the air temp way down at the vents...

 

[PADDO]

"center console fridge" ??? Whats that?

Standard issue for rest-of-world LXs and higher end LC. I miss my 6 pack fridge!

 

[aaronrules]

I'm in the same heat as you... I'm in Memphis and Arkansas and my LC blows chunks of Ice out the vents at times, Check your cabin filters just in case they are restricting air flow... if you still have an issue PM me there are ways to get the air temp way down at the vents...

Forgot about the air filters. I'll check those tomorrow. I noticed that while idling it's not as effective as when driving. But my old 2001 that I sold would blow so cold that I would have to turn it down. This one, not so much. Might be looking for a place to check it out.

 

[looking4lc]

@ 110+ F, Ac is doing its job but i noticed some other toyota/lexus cars are colder than mine.
is it type of Freon used?

 

[cwmoser]

Standard issue for rest-of-world LXs and higher end LC. I miss my 6 pack fridge!

That sounds neat!! Got a picture of that Fridge?

 

[cwmoser]

@ 110+ F, Ac is doing its job but i noticed some other toyota/lexus cars are colder than mine.
is it type of Freon used?

I would think all LX470 and LC's use R134A freon. Now I use a propane-based refrigerant in my 1980's vehicles
that originally came with R12. The product I use is called Enviro-Safe freon and is relatively cheap. Its a
replacement Freon for both R12 and R134. Supposedly Enviro-Safe produces a colder output than either
R12 or R134. My 2002 LX470 has R134 freon and it cools very very well.

 

[suprarx7nut]

You should have no problem at 100F. Living in Phoenix, AZ, I can attest the LC can blow very cold even at 119F. I never have to move my temp dial below 74. It has no trouble keeping the cabin cold. If I set it to the min temp I'd be freezing even if it's 120F outside.

 

[Placemotorsports]

Mine has a slow leak and currently on 2/70 a/c at the moment so I feel your pain.