2011 bad AC evaporator core?

[mag4x4]

I've searched and haven't found anyone else post about this. I can't be the only/first!

AC started blowing hot this week. Changed the compressor clutch relay (wishful thinking). Of course, no change. Dropped it off this morning at a tired plus by my office. They called and told me I have a bad leak in the evaporator core and quoted $2300 to fix. Says its 12 hours of labor.

I called around and found a shop that said $1200. Right now I'm just going to suffer because I should be getting a work vehicle any day now.

Why would this go bad so soon? It's a 2011 w 80k miles. Always dealer maintained (not really related, just saying its not really abused or neglected). Anyone else with experience to share? Feeling pretty crappy about my Toyota experience right now.

 

[Jono.ful]

this seems surprising. Mine basically has a 90° fold about 2" up from the bottom of the panel, happened when the plastic guard at the bottom of the stock bumper skin was driven up into it while wheeling. I still get plenty of cold air.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

this seems surprising. Mine basically has a 90° fold about 2" up from the bottom of the panel, happened when the plastic guard at the bottom of the stock bumper skin was driven up into it while wheeling. I still get plenty of cold air.

Evaporator Core is located INSIDE the HVAC Housing under the dash, you're talking Condenser.

To the OP, that sucks. Evaporators are not something I usually see leaking.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

Dropped it off this morning at a tired plus by my office. They called and told me I have a bad leak in the evaporator core and quoted $2300 to fix. Says its 12 hours of labor.

What is a "tired plus" ?

Never mind...I googled it. Chain tire shop in Florida.

Personally, I would not believe anything a place like this says. I doubt they have the tech skills to analyze this problem, let alone execute the repair. If you don't trust the local Toyota dealer, ask around for a good independent repair shop. Seeing as how you live in what I believe to be the hottest state in the country, there has to be a good indy in your area.

 

[Jono.ful]

Evaporator Core is located INSIDE the HVAC Housing under the dash, you're talking Condenser.

To the OP, that sucks. Evaporators are not something I usually see leaking.

yes, you're right

 

[mag4x4]

Yes under the dash. It's not that I don't trust the dealer...had all maintenance done there. Just don't want to pay 120/hr labor on this. I only dropped it off at the tire shop because it was close to my office and I was hoping it just needed refrigerant.

The 1200 quote was from a well rated local AC shop. He said he would need it a day and a half. F my life.

 

[GATECHME]

I had this happen to my 2008 with 150k on the clock. I recharged it and it took a month or so before it got hot again. I had a hell of a time trying to find the leak. There was UV dye in the system from a previous service, so I got a loaner UV light from autozone and looked for the dye around the system. I finally traced it to the evaporator inside the vehicle from the condensation dripping on the floor that the UV light fluoresced. bummer. I had heard the quotes to fix it were steep, and I don't trust anyone to put all the bits and pieces back where they came, so I tried it myself. The parts were cheap ($250 or so) for the evaporator core and I also replaced the expansion valve. Took me 1.5 days to do the install, but it fixed it and blows really cold now. You also need to replace the dessicant since the system will be open for so long. Since it was already discharged, I did all the work in my garage (pulled vacuum and recharged w/manifold gauges). Plus I know every nut and screw went back where it came from.

 

[Jhalko]

Based on the pictures of what has to be taken apart I can see why the cost is so high. Ouch.

 

[GATECHME]

It's not as bad as it looks. If you bag and tag the hardware and take a lot of pictures it goes back together pretty well. Toyota was smart in that they use a lot of different connectors so you cannot mis-wire the harness.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Based on the pictures of what has to be taken apart I can see why the cost is so high. Ouch.

As was stated, it's not too bad. If you're new to wrenching or just not very confident it can be a bit of work. But honestly I have gotten pretty good at pulling the HVAC units out of Toyotas since I do a lot of rodent infestations now.

 

[Jhalko]

As was stated, it's not too bad. If you're new to wrenching or just not very confident it can be a bit of work. But honestly I have gotten pretty good at pulling the HVAC units out of Toyotas since I do a lot of rodent infestations now.

Dude, we both know your wrenching skills compared
To mine are like a NFL QB compared to peewee league. Haha

 

[Captsolo]

The AC evaporator failed this week on my 2005 4runner (150,000 miles). "Beat the Heat" repaced the Amazon.com Denso compressor I bought them two years ago for $200, and I was cool for two year - without any recharge. The installation cost me $200.

Here's my question. A Denso evaporator for my 4runner is $110 shipped to Denver where I can pick it up and bring it to Bahamas - where I live. I have family in Denver.

"Beat the Heat" want $800 to install it (dash comes out, etc.).

The Toy dealer here in Nassau wanted $1200 for the evap., and then called back and said they don't work on cars over 10 years old. I bought the 4runner new from them in 2005.

Amazon says this is the right part for my car. Amazon.com: Denso 476-0040 A/C Evaporator Core: Automotive

 

[DoIEvenNeedThis]

Did you ever do this? I'm looking for some guidance to do it on a 5th Gen 4Runner and don't see anything.