‘16 weak A/C ... just deal with it?

[bluecollarjock]

I’ve browsed the threads on 5th gens with weak air conditioning. Seems like mpg reports with different owners having huge variances. Some get frozen out of their 4runner and others complain (like me) that even on the coldest temp setting, highest blower setting, and rear plus passenger vents closed - it won’t freeze me out even at highway speeds in only 75 degrees LA weather. Obviously worse when it’s hotter driving in the valley or desert. My 3rd gen blew way colder and so has every Jeep and Chevy 4x4 I’ve owned.

Sometimes I wonder if there is some issue I should get corrected before he warranty runs out, but enough people comment in threads about same issue that it’s likely normal ? To just have “cool” A/C Not cold at all...and the suggestions to Tint windows to help keep the interior cooler?

Love my 4runner but the terrible gas mileage and weak A/C are drawbacks. Still no regrets in buying it

 

[boyguan]

I’ve browsed the threads on 5th gens with weak air conditioning. Seems like mpg reports with different owners having huge variances. Some get frozen out of their 4runner and others complain (like me) that even on the coldest temp setting, highest blower setting, and rear plus passenger vents closed - it won’t freeze me out even at highway speeds in only 75 degrees LA weather. Obviously worse when it’s hotter driving in the valley or desert. My 3rd gen blew way colder and so has every Jeep and Chevy 4x4 I’ve owned.

Sometimes I wonder if there is some issue I should get corrected before he warranty runs out, but enough people comment in threads about same issue that it’s likely normal ? To just have “cool” A/C Not cold at all...and the suggestions to Tint windows to help keep the interior cooler?

Love my 4runner but the terrible gas mileage and weak A/C are drawbacks. Still no regrets in buying it

run a test. Cause you think or feel isnt that valid. Take a thermometer and stick it in the vent. Should be about 32-37 degrees. I assume that the recirculate is on as well?

 

[bluecollarjock]

run a test. Cause you think or feel isnt that valid. Take a thermometer and stick it in the vent. Should be about 32-37 degrees. I assume that the recirculate is on as well?

Thanks I’ll try to do that. And yes recirculate is always on.

 

[RUNTHAT]

I'm with [MENTION=143639]boyguan[/MENTION] on this one in regard to testing. Seems like a problem. The triple digit heat days are already upon us in Arizona and I regularly need to dial down the blower setting.

 

[BobsTrail]

IMO -- Our systems are working as designed. Cold enough discharge but not enough volume/capacity.

I helped mine by adding Solar Guard tint (clear) to the front windshield and the moonroof. It helps a lot by reducing the incoming heat and the dashboard does not get hot and radiate heat into the cabin. I can leave the moon roof uncovered without the sliding cover even in Arizona.

Expensive and illegal, but it works great.

I also had light tint on the front side windows to block the UV but I wish had used the Solar Guard or the 3M product there too.

 

[bluecollarjock]

IMO -- Our systems are working as designed. Cold enough discharge but not enough volume/capacity.

I helped mine by adding Solar Guard tint (clear) to the front windshield and the moonroof. It helps a lot by reducing the incoming heat and the dashboard does not get hot and radiate heat into the cabin. I can leave the moon roof uncovered without the sliding cover even in Arizona.

Expensive and illegal, but it works great.

I also had light tint on the front side windows to block the UV but I wish had used the Solar Guard or the 3M product there too.

Made me laugh “expensive and illegal”. If I get really fed up I’ll call the guy whose shop I trust that does tint and ask what the side front windows and windshield would cost. I also would need to ask about the laws as I don’t want to be pulled over.

Not familiar with Solar Guard or 3M product.

 

[BobsTrail]

I used a 90% tint, so it does not look tinted, probably won't get the attention of anyone. It still blocks the UV and heat even with the very light tint.

They are called ceramic tints, here is info from the 3M site:

The Ceramic Series delivers outstanding heat reduction.

Advanced ceramics in the film reject up to 59% of total solar energy and up to 80% of infrared rays - all while retaining great visibility.

Non-metallized window film lets you stay connected with mobile devices, GPS or satellite radio reception without interference.

 

[bluecollarjock]

I used a 90% tint, so it does not look tinted, probably won't get the attention of anyone. It still blocks the UV and heat even with the very light tint.

They are called ceramic tints, here is info from the 3M site:

The Ceramic Series delivers outstanding heat reduction.

Advanced ceramics in the film reject up to 59% of total solar energy and up to 80% of infrared rays - all while retaining great visibility.

Non-metallized window film lets you stay connected with mobile devices, GPS or satellite radio reception without interference.

Thanks ! Haven’t looked into any of this so clueless, and seems your also inferring regular tint can interfere with GPS and other gadget signals. Good to be aware of.

 

[DesertCanyons]

AC settings

If the vent settings knob is not clicked solidly onto one of the interior locations the air will not run cool. I found this out by accidentally setting it in between the 5 or 6 locations. Make sure the dial is set fully into one of the positions.

 

[borfoo3]

Thanks ! Haven’t looked into any of this so clueless, and seems your also inferring regular tint can interfere with GPS and other gadget signals. Good to be aware of.

If I remember correctly from my Cali days, 70% was the max legal limit on tints. You want the good ceramic heat reflecting ones, not cheapo color films

Park under shaded areas. Use windshield sun shades. Black interior soaks up heat on our T4rs so that's a big part of the A/C not keeping up issue

Check AC refrigerant before summer and for refills or leaks. Clean air cabin filters to not lose precious airflow. Change annually. That's practically all you can do with them for now

I added a front pusher electric fan (from a Prado) with relay to run when the A/C kicks on. It only helps when truck is stationary, but final coldness and airflow power are fixed based on our compressor/ fan setup. Have to live with it..

 

[ayeyothisiskyle]

Made me laugh “expensive and illegal”. If I get really fed up I’ll call the guy whose shop I trust that does tint and ask what the side front windows and windshield would cost. I also would need to ask about the laws as I don’t want to be pulled over.

Not familiar with Solar Guard or 3M product.

In CA it is illegal to add anything to the windshield or front passenger and driver window. Put whatever you want on the rears.

Shops will still tint windshields and front windows, they just have to tell you its "illegal" before they do it.

There are shops that have a "ticket warranty" where in the event of a ticket, they will remove tint, you go to the station and show them you dont have tint anymore, pay your fix-it and the shop re-tints your windows. I'm considering this, as I have gotten front window tint tickets on my previous vehicles.

 

[boyguan]

I find the AC so cold on all my toyota that i can never run at full blast and even have to turn it up a tad.

 

[bluecollarjock]

If the vent settings knob is not clicked solidly onto one of the interior locations the air will not run cool. I found this out by accidentally setting it in between the 5 or 6 locations. Make sure the dial is set fully into one of the positions.

Thanks I’ll play with that, good to know

 

[bluecollarjock]

In CA it is illegal to add anything to the windshield or front passenger and driver window. Put whatever you want on the rears.

Shops will still tint windshields and front windows, they just have to tell you its "illegal" before they do it.

There are shops that have a "ticket warranty" where in the event of a ticket, they will remove tint, you go to the station and show them you dont have tint anymore, pay your fix-it and the shop re-tints your windows. I'm considering this, as I have gotten front window tint tickets on my previous vehicles.

Good to know, thanks. I may ask the one shop I’ve used in past for tint and stereo stuff on my other trucks/Jeeps. I looked at their website and they use some local small company Film not 3M. I sort of like the initial idea of 3M from the suggestion here.

Ugh I bought a TRDP instead of a Trail which I may have preferred cloth and a sunroof, but I ALWAYS modify my 4x4s. And once I start it becomes an addiction. So I felt like if I got a TRDP I’d not do a lift immediately and be happy with the minor leveling up front. But here I am now wanting Colder A/C, and just from this mornings comments telling myself “maybe I’ll get Tint and while I’m at it find a shop that can also do a light bar behind the grill or replace the weak fog lights with something more potent “ hahha.

I’ll need to round up a thermometer to test it and also check all the dials etc to make sure everything is ok. I just know comparing it feeling wise even to my girlfriends Honda Civic, my dads Chevy Colorado and a Tahoe I just rented for a bear hunting trip, it’s no where close to those vehicles. You crank up most cars fill blast and you gotta dial it down after a while. I’ve never been “cold” in my 4runner even with it on “max” cold on the right dial and the left blower cranked, the rear and passenger vents closed. The few times I’ve had people in Back it seems to really drain any mojo for up front.

 

[Jdholder]

I find the AC so cold on all my toyota that i can never run at full blast and even have to turn it up a tad.

I have a 2014 SR5 and I’m in the same boat. It’s the first AC I’ve had that literally is too cold.

 

[Ezlife45]

I disagree with the poster with the 32-37 degrees but I can buy that if I'm running my AC when it's 72F outside. Mine blows around 44-46 on a 90+ day with lots of humidity.
If you aren't getting cool to cold air coming out something is wrong. Maybe a refrigerant leak has hurt your cooling ability. That is unacceptable.

I took a 16 year old truck that only cooled decently when the engine was at highway speeds that didn't cool well in stop/go traffic. After using ceramic window tint on all except the windshield, the AC is noticeably better.

 

[JeremyB]

I disagree with the poster with the 32-37 degrees but I can buy that if I'm running my AC when it's 72F outside. Mine blows around 44-46 on a 90+ day with lots of humidity

I haven't measured the actual vent temp, but the evaporator setpoint is ~35 degrees (per the OBD2) and it reaches that pretty easily once it gets on the highway. Has quite a time getting down to 35 in stop and go traffic after being heat soaked.

 

[bluecollarjock]

Wish I had the problem of it being too cold. That or getting 20mpg like many on here claim even with lifts and bigger tires. My A/C is pathetic. Today only 72 in LA and I live near ocean with no humidity. I turned off all vents but the two driver dashboard vents, full power at lowest temp setting. It gets “coool” but no where close to cold or me needing to turn it down. Been like that since It was brand new.

 

[mrblah]

maybe you are intolerant to heat? I can't tolerate heat very well hence why i rather pay insane prices to live by the beach also.

However, my 4runner's ac runs just fine when I turn it on, but thats rare since i live by the beach.

 

[WallyT4R]

If it's still under warranty there is no reason why you can't take it in and have them check it out. It's not going to hurt anything and then you will know for sure if it's working properly.