A/C Refresher??

[JAXJeremy]

I typically do the general maintenance on my vehicles, but the 4R is still under factory warranty and I've got 2 more free oil changes (these guys actually do a good job with that)..

Anyway, while waiting today for my 15K service, I get a message about recommended services. With a full inspection report, along with pictures (fancy)I'm sure it's common now, but it's the first time I'd ever seen it when going in for service..

The list had the normal things, alignment, cabin filter, air filter, rear wiper replacement (not sure why I never use it) and finally A/C refresher...

I declined everything except for the alignment, I can get both factory filters online for less that the price of the engine filter replacement.

What I was curious about was the A/C refersher..My A/C is working fine, trust me I'm in Florida, I'd know if there were any problems..So what gives on the A/C refresher service?? I mean if they have to add refrigerant it's leaking and then that would mean there was a problem with the system in general that should be covered under the warranty..Thoughts??

 

[LandCruiser]

Mine blows ice cold at over 7 years.

Unless it gets physically damaged, there's no reason to top it off or mess with it at 2 years.

I'd add that they shouldn't be ****ing with the AC refrigerant for any reason since you can vent off some of it if you want to check the pressure in the system.

 

[1jzgte]

do it yourself for 15 dollars
Amazon.com: Lubegard 96030 Kool-It Evaporator and Heater Foam Cleaner: Automotive

 

[Bossman]

In a word ... Upsell

The Service Department is trying to create work (and generate money) for itself.

Both cabin and air filters can easily be changed by the DIYer. The rear wiper blade can also be switched out DIY (although it is a little tricky). Source the filters/blades from your preferred vendor and install yourself to save the labor charges.

I have not heard of the A/C Refresher "upsell" before, perhaps that is a warm-weather Florida thing

 

[TOYO74]

I also have never heard of an "A/C refresher" service--they are just looking for $$$ As LandCruiser stated the service dept. should not be touching your A/C system unless you are having a problem. These systems will run for many years without needing anything. You stated your system works fine so I would leave it alone.

Dealers in my area want to do an "evap cleaning" every year which you can do yourself with a product like 1jzgte mentioned. The charge for that at dealer here (AZ) is $125. Crazy.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

They're just trying to get money. Car AC systems are sealed and don't need regular service minus condenser cleaning which can be done by a hose and cabin air filter changing if equipped. There is oil in them but it's more trouble than it's worth to change it. Also it doesn't get dirty like in an internal combustion engine.

 

[Blue 4ever Runner]

This^

 

[VincentGsrq]

My guess is a new cabin air filter and wipe out (sanitize) your ducts by the evaporate or whatever then can easily access, they may even pull your glove box and not just swing it done

 

[BobsTrail]

:iagree: with all the above replies. Service writer on commission? Your T4 is too new for all that.

It's not freon, that was an old trade name by Dupont for R12. We use R134 refrigerant now.

I checked my old 2013 A/C system last year and the high and low pressure were all where they should be after 60K and 6 years.

 

[thennen]

I agree with everyone else. My experience over many Toyotas has been that they cool great beyond 10 years. My 2019 is already at 45k and my dealership hasn't upsold me one thing.

 

[judami]

The service writer did their job. Every time you show up for your "free" maintenance is an opportunity to sell you something at a very high margin.

 

[cb1111]

This is my canned response to the dealership.

"Thank you for pointing out these maintenance items. I'll be glad to do the filters and the wiper myself later.

Gee, it is unfortunate that the AC has a low charge. This means that there is a manufacturer's defect that needs to be resolved under warranty. Do you mind if I use your phone to call Toyota customer service and get that repair authorized under warranty, because I'm sure that you wouldn't be trying to sell me an unnecessary service?"

 

[flyrv9]

Pretty pricy - I guess they really like their stuff. $50 plus for a wiper and cabin air filter - really? Make the price high enough and you'll never have to do the work.

 

[EddieV4runnin]

In a word ... Upsell

The Service Department is trying to create work (and generate money) for itself.

Both cabin and air filters can easily be changed by the DIYer. The rear wiper blade can also be switched out DIY (although it is a little tricky). Source the filters/blades from your preferred vendor and install yourself to save the labor charges.

I have not heard of the A/C Refresher "upsell" before, perhaps that is a warm-weather Florida thing

It gets sprayed into the vents with the A/C on, it’s suppose to clean out the evaporator and give it a nice fresh scent. I doubt they would charge so little to evacuate and recharge the system. You won’t get any benefit out of it.

 

[EddieV4runnin]

:iagree: with all the above replies. Service writer on commission? Your T4 is too new for all that.

It's not freon, that was an old trade name by Dupont for R12. We use R134 refrigerant now.

I checked my old 2013 A/C system last year and the high and low pressure were all where they should be after 60K and 6 years.

He needs that service ASAP or else the A/C could stop working while he’s on a trip and we wouldn’t that to happen.

 

[Bossman]

It gets sprayed into the vents with the A/C on, it’s suppose to clean out the evaporator and give it a nice fresh scent. I doubt they would charge so little to evacuate and recharge the system. You won’t get any benefit out of it.

I was going off of what the OP [MENTION=268621]JAXJeremy[/MENTION] described the A/C Refresher as being in his post (with his attached photo indicating refrigerant/recharge).

I would agree that this "A/C Refresher" is not what comes to my mind when I think of this term. It is the two step process that Toyota service departments use:

Step 1: A/C Power Foam (Evaporator Cleaner and Refresher)
Step 2: ConditionAire (Automotive Ventilation System Refresher)

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/1829516-post12.html

YouTube

 

[Messeritus]

I haven't taken the time to read all of the replies you've received so I apologize if this has been said. I had a funky mildew smell coming from my vents a few weeks ago so I took it to Keith Peirson in Orange Park. They did the A/C Refresh kit and the smell completely went away. Matter of fact, the air coming out of my vents now smells like a new car again. From what I understand, the refresh is a sanitize of your A/C system and Evap coils. I highly recommend it.

 

[Ogre75]

I was going off of what the OP [MENTION=268621]JAXJeremy[/MENTION] described the A/C Refresher as being in his post (with his attached photo indicating refrigerant/recharge).

I would agree that this "A/C Refresher" is not what comes to my mind when I think of this term. It is the two step process that Toyota service departments use:

Step 1: A/C Power Foam (Evaporator Cleaner and Refresher)
Step 2: ConditionAire (Automotive Ventilation System Refresher)

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/1829516-post12.html

YouTube

I think you could save some money and get the same results by using the autoparts store version of the condensor cleaning foam mentioned above and spraying lysol into the cowl air intake. Toyota likes to price their parts and service at a premium.

 

[JAXJeremy]

I was going off of what the OP [MENTION=268621]JAXJeremy[/MENTION] described the A/C Refresher as being in his post (with his attached photo indicating refrigerant/recharge).

I would agree that this "A/C Refresher" is not what comes to my mind when I think of this term. It is the two step process that Toyota service departments use:

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/1829516-post12.html

YouTube

This is where I feel like they were being a bit deceptive..I clearly know my 2 year old 4Runner doesn't have a leaking A/C, but the description they provided of the "service" makes it appear that I need a recharge..I feel like that's some shady s**t especially in Florida where you'd get old people going in and thinking their A/C is going to crap out if they don't get this done..

I haven't taken the time to read all of the replies you've received so I apologize if this has been said. I had a funky mildew smell coming from my vents a few weeks ago so I took it to Keith Peirson in Orange Park. They did the A/C Refresh kit and the smell completely went away. Matter of fact, the air coming out of my vents now smells like a new car again. From what I understand, the refresh is a sanitize of your A/C system and Evap coils. I highly recommend it.

I don't have any odor at all in mine..In fact, it still has some of the new car smell.

 

[JAXJeremy]

I think you could save some money and get the same results by using the autoparts store version of the condensor cleaning foam mentioned above and spraying lysol into the cowl air intake. Toyota likes to price their parts and service at a premium.

I think that's the same with all dealerships..it's where they make their $$..