AC Preventative Maintenance

[Rpreme]

Hi all,

Not sure if this was covered here, but would like everyone's input on maintaining the AC system on the 5VZ-FE.

Any good habits to abide by besides always using the AC system? Running it once a week in the winter? Is servicing it every 2 years necessary? Etc,

Thanks!

 

[phattyduck]

If you use either defrost setting, it will already cycle the AC compressor. Otherwise, there really isn't much to do. It might be worth checking if your fan and evaporator core are clean (they do gather lots of crap) if it hasn't been checked in a while.

-Charlie

 

[LittleCaesar]

Also clean your condenser. It will help lower the high side pressure. Tim and Sean made a video on how to do such.

The video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kZRGlR6FTy4

 

[gamefreakgc]

Best thing you can do is clean the A/C condensor itself. If you look through the grill, the radiator-like condensor you see is the A/C. Since it's in front it collects all sorts of stuck on bugs and leaves and this stuff melts it off nicely. Better airflow = cooler temps = better A/C performance.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/AC-Safe-Air-Conditioner-Foaming-Coil-Cleaner-AC-921/206740351

Only need to recharge your A/C if it has trouble getting cold. Usually means you have a leak too.

 

[BamaDrewski]

Hi all,

Not sure if this was covered here, but would like everyone's input on maintaining the AC system on the 5VZ-FE.

Any good habits to abide by besides always using the AC system? Running it once a week in the winter? Is servicing it every 2 years necessary? Etc,

Thanks!

I check my system every year. When I rebuilt my entire system, I added PAG46 oil (Our systems take PAG46 - not PAG 100) with color (leak detector). If you have not added any PAG oil in several years, you can get a small can at Advance Auto (PAG46) and add it. The oil assists in the cooling ability of the system. As everyone mentions, clean your coils behind the grill. Home Depot sells a "coil cleaner foam" that you can spray on, leave for a few minutes and rinse off. It does a good job even if it is for household AC unit coils.

I usually check the R134 levels with a gauge before and after a long, hot Alabama summer. My system consistently blows at 38 degree Fahrenheit on the coldest setting. Only small issue I had lately was the pressure switch but after taking it off, cleaning it and putting a dab of diaclectric grease on it - works as it should.

Might want to check your tension on your compression drive belt as well and adjust as needed.

 

[96RedRunner]

Hi all,

Not sure if this was covered here, but would like everyone's input on maintaining the AC system on the 5VZ-FE.

Any good habits to abide by besides always using the AC system? Running it once a week in the winter? Is servicing it every 2 years necessary? Etc,

Thanks!

What others have said is good advice.
How many miles do you have on your ride? how old?
Something bad happened on my 96 around 320k miles, the Drier/accumalator
failed let desicant get all over inside of system. Complete system replacement required.
The drier only costs $25.00 Denso, replaced it on my 01 at 208k miles.
Good insurance/preventative maint for the system.
Drier may not fail but it may, our rides are getting near the life span year wise for the driers.

 

[Rpreme]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I really appreciate it!

No problems with my AC currently, just wanted some insight on good habits to prevent compressor failures.

I'll definitely look into cleaning the condenser from time to time or when it looks dirtier than usual.