AC blows hot air

B

Burkster

New member
2004 4Runner only blows hot air. This wAs sudden however There have been noises coming from dash area. DeAler wants $1600 for new compressor and clutch plus possible valve. Is it common for these to break at the same time? That cost is with aftermarket parts it would be over $2k with genuine parts.

Don't wAnt to make a $1600 mistake. Seems they are basically rebuilding my AC unit

Thanks
 
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Does the compressor clutch engage when you turn on the a/c? Noises from the dash may mean the climate control mechanism may be sticking or not moving properly. Two separate systems you need to check.
 
[MENTION=124983]Burkster[/MENTION]

You stated that the dealer wants $1600.00 to replace the compressor/clutch and valve. Are you certain that this is what the problem is? Has the dealer actually examined your Runner? How many miles are on your runner? You have a 4th gen 4Runner. 4th gens are NOTORIOUS for leaking evaporators once you hit the 100k mile mark. Before you go dropping that kind of money on repairs, first try to narrow the problem down. Have you first tried a freon recharge? 4th gen compressors will not work if the freon is low. If it's a freon leak, then a freon recharge will temporarily resolve the problem and you will once again, have cold air for a few weeks. Rule a leak out first, then come back here and tell us about it.
 
chitown40 said:
Does the compressor clutch engage when you turn on the a/c? Noises from the dash may mean the climate control mechanism may be sticking or not moving properly. Two separate systems you need to check.
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Burkster said:
Sorry not sure. The noise is an intermittent thumping noise.
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perhaps a control door motor has failed, and its not staying in the HOT position. I would check for this first.
preacher35 said:
@Burkster

You stated that the dealer wants $1600.00 to replace the compressor/clutch and valve. Are you certain that this is what the problem is? Has the dealer actually examined your Runner? How many miles are on your runner? You have a 4th gen 4Runner. 4th gens are NOTORIOUS for leaking evaporators once you hit the 100k mile mark. Before you go dropping that kind of money on repairs, first try to narrow the problem down. Have you first tried a freon recharge? 4th gen compressors will not work if the freon is low. If it's a freon leak, then a freon recharge will temporarily resolve the problem and you will once again, have cold air for a few weeks. Rule a leak out first, then come back here and tell us about it.
Click to expand...
I agree about checking it for a leak. however there is a much better way than to recharge it, and "wait for it to stop working again"

take it to a shop, they can check the system for leaks by putting a vacuum on it.
 
Still at dealership. Just thought it was odd both would break at same time and $1100 in just labor seems high. They said they examined it just don't have a good feeling about it. Don't want to pay for unnecessary repairs
 
It's A/C. Walk away and do some more research and get an opinion from another shop. Its not a critical component to driving your vehicle.
 
nevada said:
I agree about checking it for a leak. however there is a much better way than to recharge it, and "wait for it to stop working again"

take it to a shop, they can check the system for leaks by putting a vacuum on it.
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[MENTION=84120]nevada[/MENTION],

I never said to "wait for it to stop working again". Not sure where you got that quote, but that certainly was not from me. What I did say was that he should recharge the system to verify if there is a leak. If charging the system suddenly causes his compressor to pump and blow cold air, he will immediately know that he has a leak somewhere in his system.

I took my Runner to two different TRUSTED shops whom both checked for leaks with a vacuum as well as dye. Both could not find the leak. We all knew that there was a leak, just not where. An evaporator leak can be very insidious and difficult to spot. Luckily, my third choice of mechanic knew about the 4Runner's evaporator issue and quickly found traces of freon in the evap drain hose on the bottom of the vehicle. I'm certainly not saying that this is the issue that the OP is having. However, it's certainly a likely candidate and worth a looksy.
 
preacher35 said:
@nevada,

I never said to "wait for it to stop working again". Not sure where you got that quote, but that certainly was not from me. What I did say was that he should recharge the system to verify if there is a leak. If charging the system suddenly causes his compressor to pump and blow cold air, he will immediately know that he has a leak somewhere in his system.

I took my Runner to two different TRUSTED shops whom both checked for leaks with a vacuum as well as dye. Both could not find the leak. We all knew that there was a leak, just not where. An evaporator leak can be very insidious and difficult to spot. Luckily, my third choice of mechanic knew about the 4Runner's evaporator issue and quickly found traces of freon in the evap drain hose on the bottom of the vehicle. I'm certainly not saying that this is the issue that the OP is having. However, it's certainly a likely candidate and worth a looksy.
Click to expand...
yeh, that's pretty much the same thing.
 
well I guess he thinks he knows more than anyone else about everything on vehicales. but mechanics also use a sniffer to detect freon leaks as well, before evacuating the system to pull a vacum and see if it holds or leaks down and they have a dye they use to pinpoint leaks
 
Burkster said:
DeAler wants $1600 for new compressor and clutch plus possible valve. Is it common for these to break at the same time?
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New compressor comes with a new clutch. By valve they may have meant expansion valve. Don't know.

It's like anything...if you don't know how something woks and it breaks, you are at the mercy of someone who does.

Quite frankly I would be leery of "aftermarket" A/C components. Just my 2 cents.
 
preacher35 said:
[MENTION=124983]Burkster[/MENTION]

You stated that the dealer wants $1600.00 to replace the compressor/clutch and valve. Are you certain that this is what the problem is? Has the dealer actually examined your Runner? How many miles are on your runner? You have a 4th gen 4Runner. 4th gens are NOTORIOUS for leaking evaporators once you hit the 100k mile mark. Before you go dropping that kind of money on repairs, first try to narrow the problem down. Have you first tried a freon recharge? 4th gen compressors will not work if the freon is low. If it's a freon leak, then a freon recharge will temporarily resolve the problem and you will once again, have cold air for a few weeks. Rule a leak out first, then come back here and tell us about it.
Click to expand...

Hey, I had a similar issue. Although, I drive a 2007 limited. It has dual heating, but blows hot air on any temperature besides the minimum. On the minimum it blows ice cold air. Any help appreciated from anyone.
Thanks
 
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