AC Troubleshooting

[chadsy]

Hi Guys,

I've done a lot of digging via the "search" feature but haven't exactly found an answer yet. My AC is blowing just a bit cooler than the air outside. With a wife and 2 little ones, when we're riding in the 4runner this could be a problem... Especially when it gets to be about 106 here during the summer.

So far I've only done the sight test. I had my daughter engage the AC on high while I watched the sight glass. I've read where if there are bubbles present it's low on freon. But it didn't appear that any liquid was moving around at all.

Should I go ahead and buy one of the recharge kits and try that or could this be a sign of a much more significant problem? I just picked up my 4runner about a month ago and have a huge maintenance check list thanks to this forum.

I appreciate any help in advance.

 

[nissanh]

Check weather the ac clutch is getting engaged. You can hear a "click" noise when clutch is getting engaged (AC compressor is located right below the power steering pump)

Also after running on ac, see the low pressure line (wider tube) gets any condensation or very cold to the touch.

 

[chadsy]

Thanks for the reply!

The clutch was engaging but sporadically, which I attributed it to having a low charge.

I went ahead and charged the system. She blew real cold so I turned off the engine after a few minutes. As I was walking back into the house I noticed a hissing noise coming from around the radiator. I popped the hood and found a leak blowing the freon out from around the radiator onto the driver side horn.

Is this the AC condensor?

how easy is it to replace and should I go ahead and replace the drier as well?

 

[nissanh]

Yes, that's the AC condenser. you can replace the drier as well. If you don't get the exact sized O-rings, install the one's you already have. Remember to lubricate the O-rings before inserting it.

Remove the front grill, horns, drier, the center metal piece that holds the hood lock/latch, remove the aluminum AC lines going to the condenser.

Pull a vacuum for 30-40 minutes before charging with gas.

Try here: Condenser Toyota 4Runner 02 01 00 99 98 97 96 2 7 3 4 A C AC Air ACC4744 | eBay