We just recently returned from our 3600 mile sojourn to Maine and back to Memphis. I have previously direct wired my ARB fridge to the stock battery and soft wired my radar detector. On our return leg I noticed that when starting the car there was at least a 30 second delay before any a/c power (the a/c controls are dark). This is definitely new, very noticeable, and hot! After about 30 sec the power lights on the a/c are available and it kicks in. Any one else experienced this? Any correlation to an overworked stock battery powering our fridge while camping? Thanks in advance. I didn't find anything when I searched.
A/C delay when starting up?
- Thread starter alvorbn
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Antman
Elite Member
Lol- first off, I am definitely not an expert in electronics. Far from it in fact. But- I do think your problem was a drained battery. It sounds like the initial load- fan, A/C compressor, etc was too much for the alternator to handle. Who knows what the Toyota Engineers have programmed into the computer to protect the electrical system...
1engineer
Moderator
I concur. There is probably a minimum setpoint in the logic before different loads are introduced (and - or - nor) into the circuit. In my world we call this a soft start -measuring the loads beforehand and controlling the amount of time a system takes to come online by making sure the load will not overpower the prime mover. The A/C, on a stock vehicle, would be the one I would limit on startup.
The other factoid I left out is that my fridge has been out of the truck for a couple of days and the a/c is still delayed. Will the battery recover or is it time to look into a different setup? The fridge is the smallest one ARB makes and was supposed to be ok for a single battery setup. Maybe it's time to get a proper 'manly' battery.
Antman
Elite Member
If your battery is significantly discharged it could take a while to charge back up under normal driving conditions- especially if you are still putting a considerable load on the electrical system. You may want to take a short trip to charge it back up-
What is your "soft- wired" radar detector? Maybe you have a constant drain on the battery when the vehicle is off? Even a small load adds up over time to drain the battery!
Basically using an invisicord product to patch into the dimming rear view mirror for radar detector power. As you know I am a noob and will defer to you, but when I turn the car off the radar detector also turns off, could this still cause drain?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/59975-anyone-hardwire-radar-detector-yet.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/59975-anyone-hardwire-radar-detector-yet.html
EEEliminator
Member
I've noticed that occasionaly the AC/blower will be off after starting the truck even though the manual knob is clearly showing the fan being on. I haven't waited to see if it kicks on after a few minutes, cycling the fan speed knob activates it. I don't know if it's temperature related, but it does happen ocassionaly....
scanny
Senior Member
Haven't noticed that before, but might just not pay attention. Now have to wait until summer to take a look : )
Ac delay
I’ve noticed the same issue. But mine is consistently around a 60 second delay whether or not the car is cold or hot. Just started happening, used to turn on right when the car turned on. There is no power to the ac/heat buttons. After about a minute system turns on lights turn on and air kicks in.
I’ve noticed the same issue. But mine is consistently around a 60 second delay whether or not the car is cold or hot. Just started happening, used to turn on right when the car turned on. There is no power to the ac/heat buttons. After about a minute system turns on lights turn on and air kicks in.
Daikon
Member
I have noticed this as well.
Turn the fan switch to off then back on does the trick. Doesn't happen all the time but I do notice it when it does happen. Thought it was just mine!
nimby
New member
Mine does this too on occasion. I don't have any aux stuff.
+1 here too, only have like 3500 miles on the 4r.
This just started happening to my 2010 4R SR5. Had a battery issue this past weekend-cleaned off battery posts and reconnected cables and cranks just fine but the blower just doesn't kick on. When it does, it's feet only and only faint blowing out the top vents. (Had CEL and the SLIP light pop up. Freaked me out a bit. Had the codes run and got EVAP & Battery codes. Checked the obvious gas cap, fixed it, then dc'd the battery-no CEL light has returned) I've already had the actuator replaced behind the dash 3 months ago (and it was doing the very same thing prompting the replacement.) Sooooo.....could the gimpy battery be the problem with the upper vents not blowing since then, or is there more to that EVAP code? I've tried the 'turn the fan off and back on-MULTIPLE times with no resolution and have been over 200 miles since Sunday. I'm in TX and while the cold front has blown in, I'm sure I'll have several more 90+ degree days where I'll need the AC. =0)
same as your ac .. happened to me 3-4 times 2016 runner..
ac was in the on mode start up runner and this occured no blower on... turned the knobs on ac then it started blowing.
My 2016 limited started doing this a couple weeks ago. I ordered a new controls on ebay and installed them. Same thing, so it's something beyond the knobs and buttons.
When I crank mine, the auto button is lights up and the back light is lit on the AC control screen, but no other buttons are lit up. no air is moving. no blower is running. it's stuffy.
After about a minute, it will just start displaying set tempurature and the floor vents are auto selected. Nothing happens for a few seconds. Then it seems to wake up and remember i had it previously (and always) set on Auto. Then it just starts blowing air properly. It doesn't seem to be the coolant or any fan issue. Seems to me like it's an electrical problem or the computer.
When I crank mine, the auto button is lights up and the back light is lit on the AC control screen, but no other buttons are lit up. no air is moving. no blower is running. it's stuffy.
After about a minute, it will just start displaying set tempurature and the floor vents are auto selected. Nothing happens for a few seconds. Then it seems to wake up and remember i had it previously (and always) set on Auto. Then it just starts blowing air properly. It doesn't seem to be the coolant or any fan issue. Seems to me like it's an electrical problem or the computer.
Last edited:
Humble Leader
Senior Member
this has been a problem with many toyota models, not just 4runners. it looks like in your case the AC/HVAC is reinitializing after every cycle of the vehicle. one cause I believe this to be is a motor in your blend door failing or failed. the HVAC expects to see the door in a certain position and then it is not, so it reinitializes. I'm not sure if that's technically all correct but some have solved this issue by replacing broken blend door actuators. if you have access to a scan tool try and scan for codes that suggest air/mix failures. they won't show check engine but at least might help you start somewhere. any decent scan tool off amazon should be OK, you don't need the expensive toyota tech stream for this
