2003 4runner A/C stops blowing cold when stopped and idling

[pendragon]

I have a new to me 2003 4runner V8 that I got from my family recently. The AC was apparently not blowing cold for them, so they had it pressure tested and it was a bit low. The shop added to the system and put in dye. On the recheck the next week, the pressure was good, so they tentatively called it ok.

Two weeks later, I now have the car. The AC light was blinking and it wasn't cooling, which indicates that the magnetic clutch relay was bad (there's a bulletin) so I replaced the relay with the correct new toyota relay. It cooled again.

Today was 95 degrees and the car blew cold air just fine when driving. When i stopped and idled (eating lunch) the AC stopped blowing any cold air. When I resumed driving, it got cold again. This happened twice today. What gives?

 

[stir_fry_boy]

I have a new to me 2003 4runner V8 that I got from my family recently. The AC was apparently not blowing cold for them, so they had it pressure tested and it was a bit low. The shop added to the system and put in dye. On the recheck the next week, the pressure was good, so they tentatively called it ok.

Two weeks later, I now have the car. The AC light was blinking and it wasn't cooling, which indicates that the magnetic clutch relay was bad (there's a bulletin) so I replaced the relay with the correct new toyota relay. It cooled again.

Today was 95 degrees and the car blew cold air just fine when driving. When i stopped and idled (eating lunch) the AC stopped blowing any cold air. When I resumed driving, it got cold again. This happened twice today. What gives?

Probably low on freon again. Could have a very slow leak. R134a is not great when it's really hot outside.

 

[pendragon]

Probably low on freon again. Could have a very slow leak. R134a is not great when it's really hot outside.

I will get it checked for a leak. I understand to modify my expectations in high heat, but this clearly is going from the AC working to the AC cutting off and just blowing the fan. When I start driving again, it kicks back on and blows cold air again.

 

[CXS]

I have the same issue starting last year, I'm guessing it's low on freon as has been said. I might get to it yet this Summer.

 

[radlynx]

in order for the AC to work properly, flow of air in the radiator/condenser must be constant even if it's on idle. I think your fan clutch might not be engaging properly when at idle. check your radiator fan clutch when you are at idle and see if it's working properly.

I will get it checked for a leak. I understand to modify my expectations in high heat, but this clearly is going from the AC working to the AC cutting off and just blowing the fan. When I start driving again, it kicks back on and blows cold air again.

 

[earthrealm]

usual culprit is low freon, it apparently has a leak.
mine behaves like that when the freon is low, i have a slow leak somewhere..likely the evaporator, but dont wanna mess with it.... a full vaccum and refill lasts me 8 to 12months,

 

[Grey03]

Ac blows warm drivers side only

My 2003 4Runner blows cold air on passenger side vents but warm on drivers side. Any body had this issue?

 

[chuntmd]

Check the Freon pressure first before ripping in to the dash and replacing a blend door. I bet your just low on Freon.

CEH in MD

 

[earthrealm]

My 2003 4Runner blows cold air on passenger side vents but warm on drivers side. Any body had this issue?

classic sign of low freon, get it checked out and refilled

 

[madreloco]

in order for the AC to work properly, flow of air in the radiator/condenser must be constant even if it's on idle. I think your fan clutch might not be engaging properly when at idle. check your radiator fan clutch when you are at idle and see if it's working properly.

thank you, you are the only one ive seen that actually listened to what was said. Freon was charged on mine, and it started having this problem. I will be checking my radiator fan clutch, your answer was only one that made sense. wish you were my mechanic.

 

[Dodge jr]

As said above. Low Freon. If you refill and the problem continues, time to start looking for the leak

 

[BlackWorksInc]

thank you, you are the only one ive seen that actually listened to what was said. Freon was charged on mine, and it started having this problem. I will be checking my radiator fan clutch, your answer was only one that made sense. wish you were my mechanic.

Wait, it started having the issue after it was charged or do you mean the previous owners had it charged and you assume it's still good? Because then either and EVAC and Recharge was done poorly and/or under/overfilled possibly. You also still could be having clutch engagement issues, and/or condenser issues.

 

[Jakeepoo3]

I will get it checked for a leak. I understand to modify my expectations in high heat, but this clearly is going from the AC working to the AC cutting off and just blowing the fan. When I start driving again, it kicks back on and blows cold air again.

The AC is actually an IAC input do to it requiring an extra load during idling. When you come to an idle with the ac on and it cuts off does your idle change at all.

 

[Juppers]

I am having the same issue. It is definitely not low r134a in my case. I replaced the evap, expansion valve, and condenser in the spring due to a leaking evaporator, flushed the lines, and replaced all the o-rings and both of the valves. Last week the compressor clutch went out, not the relay, so I replaced the compressor this past weekend. I believe I may have added too much pag oil when I replaced the compressor, or the radiator fan clutch is failing, or a combo of both.
My next steps are to check out the fan clutch and if that is good then have a shop flush and fill the system.
In your case definitely check out the fan clutch and consider the system may be overcharged on coolant or oil and could be causing the same symptoms as too little refrigerant.