AC Struggling
- Thread starter UURunner
- Start date
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AuSeeker
Elite Member
The not getting cold enough part may well be resolved by recharging the Freon if that's the issue, only one way to find out, either buy the kit and see if it helps or take it in to be checked by a mechanic.
The not blowing as hard part would be the blower motor or fan speed selector switch and not the AC system.
Seasparrow
New member
My fan was a little noisy so I took my filter out and reached in to find a bunch of sticks leaves etc in the fan.
Also make sure your recirc is on, recirculation is important when it is boiling hot outside.
Also make sure your servos that control/blend AC and heater are working and the vent selector servo is selecting
the main vents on the dash pointed at you and not the floor, windshield etc.
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Also make sure your recirc is on, recirculation is important when it is boiling hot outside.
Also make sure your servos that control/blend AC and heater are working and the vent selector servo is selecting
the main vents on the dash pointed at you and not the floor, windshield etc.
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It could be the refrigerant is not high enough, a possible leak in the hoses/valves, or you check that your A/C Compressor is engaging when turning on auto. Just do a quick look under the hood when you turn it on.
404NotFound
New member
I've kind of noticed that with mine too. Admittedly I probably need a cabin filter change but earlier this week it was nice and cold but today it seemed to struggle a lot. Today was the hottest day of the year too though in my state.
I'll be honest generally speaking I'm a DIY guy but with the AC I am probably going to take mine in and have it checked/serviced. I've used the ones you buy at the auto parts store in the past on previous vehicles and it seems like they help for anywhere from a week to a month and then it's back to the same issues. Could be due to the complexity of the late model AC systems, could be that the gauges for the refill are cheap, I don't know. What I do know is if something goes wrong and I break my system, it's a lot more expensive to fix/replace than it is to service.
Ideally, if I were you, I would go to a Toyota/Lexus dealer. If they want too much you might see what a local mechanic charges. It all really depends on how much you can and are willing to spend and how long you plan on keeping your rig. I plane on driving mine until the cows come home so I tend to drop more money for maintenance than I did for some of my previous cars.
Just my $.02.
I'll be honest generally speaking I'm a DIY guy but with the AC I am probably going to take mine in and have it checked/serviced. I've used the ones you buy at the auto parts store in the past on previous vehicles and it seems like they help for anywhere from a week to a month and then it's back to the same issues. Could be due to the complexity of the late model AC systems, could be that the gauges for the refill are cheap, I don't know. What I do know is if something goes wrong and I break my system, it's a lot more expensive to fix/replace than it is to service.
Ideally, if I were you, I would go to a Toyota/Lexus dealer. If they want too much you might see what a local mechanic charges. It all really depends on how much you can and are willing to spend and how long you plan on keeping your rig. I plane on driving mine until the cows come home so I tend to drop more money for maintenance than I did for some of my previous cars.
Just my $.02.
AuSeeker
Elite Member
My AC works fine....but when it very hot outside I do notice a big difference in the air temperature, as mentioned earlier the when recirculating air switch is turned on and not having the hot outside air coming into the AC system, one thing I have notice with mine is when I do turn on the recirculating air switch and then turn off the vehicle when I come back and start it the switch is off, doesn't happen all the time just every once in a while, not sure why it does that but when it's hot outside I notice it almost at once, turn the switch back on and the air gets colder again.
404NotFound
New member
Hmm. Well, my old Cobra used to have that issue with the fog light button. It's probably not this simple but I almost want to suggest taking the button out and cleaning it with electronic connection cleaner and the going from there.
much like everyone else my 4runner is 13 years old and having the same issues. I've given it the r134 several times only to have it blowing quite less cold, but good enough a couple months later. I basically have done this before the summer for the last 4 years but have read that this could potentially be bad for the system to not have the right weight of refrigerant in the system.
Ideally I would get your lines sucked out and have them put new refrigerant in at the A/C shop to the car's specs. That's only about a hundred and fifty dollar fix. If it's not that it's probably something to do with the evaporator or compressor neither of which is necessarily cheap or a DIY job.
It's very rare but sometimes my A/C takes 5-15 minutes to even kick on. Pretty sure it's an evaporator issue but again, it's a pretty expensive fix (like a thousand bucks) and the A/C blows cold enough... my cents.
Ideally I would get your lines sucked out and have them put new refrigerant in at the A/C shop to the car's specs. That's only about a hundred and fifty dollar fix. If it's not that it's probably something to do with the evaporator or compressor neither of which is necessarily cheap or a DIY job.
It's very rare but sometimes my A/C takes 5-15 minutes to even kick on. Pretty sure it's an evaporator issue but again, it's a pretty expensive fix (like a thousand bucks) and the A/C blows cold enough... my cents.
Charlie Hustle
Junior Member
I was having the same exact issue as the OP, I changed out my cabin air filter, (which was pretty clogged up) and now my AC is blowing harder and colder than any other time I've owned the vehicle in 6 years!
Hungryhawk
Member
A sunshade is very helpful if you park outside. It is amazing how hot the dash can get with sun thru windshield. Takes a long time to cool that hot dash down.
If you inspect your AC hoses and compressor you can look for an accumulation of dust/dirt. Since refrigerant has oil in it (for compressor ) a leak will usually attract dust/dirt. Inspect hoses especially the transition metal to rubber. On the compressor inspect the hose connections carefully. Accessing the in dash evaporator is probably a bigger job.
Dealers are not good at trouble shooting.
Independent shop probably better talent.
For self inspection of system use a infared temp laser device to measure your duct discharge temp-they give instant readings. Air out and therefore vent should be 20-30 degrees cooler
If you inspect your AC hoses and compressor you can look for an accumulation of dust/dirt. Since refrigerant has oil in it (for compressor ) a leak will usually attract dust/dirt. Inspect hoses especially the transition metal to rubber. On the compressor inspect the hose connections carefully. Accessing the in dash evaporator is probably a bigger job.
Dealers are not good at trouble shooting.
Independent shop probably better talent.
For self inspection of system use a infared temp laser device to measure your duct discharge temp-they give instant readings. Air out and therefore vent should be 20-30 degrees cooler
