Another 4th Gen with A/C issues......

[eL FuEGo]

Hey guys,

I've been lurking for years but decided to chime in when I came across this issue. I have a 2004 4Runner V6 SR5 4WD with 115k miles. Over the weekend, the driver's side air vents started blowing out warm air while the rest of the vents in the vehicle blew out cold air.

I went and purchased a can of R134A refrigerant and proceeded with least expensive way of trying to cure this problem. It didn't do much. It only made the driver's side a little cool to a little bit cold, but not as cold as the passenger side. It seems like I have a leak.

After searching various threads on this issue, it seems to be the evaporator that is the culprit. It also looks to be an expensive fix at $2,000 since they have to remove the dash.

I have a question on the evaporator part number which is 88501 for V8's. Does anyone know if the same part number applies for the 4.0 V6 or is it a completely different part number?

Thanks!

 

[preacher35]

Hey guys,

I've been lurking for years but decided to chime in when I came across this issue. I have a 2004 4Runner V6 SR5 4WD with 115k miles. Over the weekend, the driver's side air vents started blowing out warm air while the rest of the vents in the vehicle blew out cold air.

I went and purchased a can of R134A refrigerant and proceeded with least expensive way of trying to cure this problem. It didn't do much. It only made the driver's side a little cool to a little bit cold, but not as cold as the passenger side. It seems like I have a leak.

After searching various threads on this issue, it seems to be the evaporator that is the culprit. It also looks to be an expensive fix at $2,000 since they have to remove the dash.

I have a question on the evaporator part number which is 88501 for V8's. Does anyone know if the same part number applies for the 4.0 V6 or is it a completely different part number?

Thanks!

OK, yes, it is possible that it is your evaporator (Toyota part# 88501). However, it could just as easily be a leak elsewhere in your HVAC system. Have you had the dye test done yet? If your mechanic does not find a leak in the engine compartment, then yes, it is probably a bad evap. That being said, it should not cost $2k to have it replaced. I paid just over $900.00 for the part and installation (which is on the low end). I've read that others have had it done for around $1,200.00 - $1,300.00. Yes, it's still a huge hit to the wallet but you're in Florida and I know it's just as hot there as it is here, in SE Texas.

 

[4run3er]

Hello, I'm having the same issue with the A/C on my 04 V6. Today I took it to Nelson Auto Cool, 2592 Michigan Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34744
(407) 870-5444. He used 2 leak detectors (sniffers) and found the leak to be from the evaporator core drain house so the leak comes from the evaporator core. He gave a quote of $500 for the parts, R&R the core, and recharge the system. According to him, the dash do not need to come out. He seams to know what he is doing (automotive A/C only at his shop) and I have a couple of friends who have done repairs at his shop and are satisfied with the outcome. The only thing that I'm not 100% sure is the part where he said that the dash does not need to come out. please let me know if you have any information about another local shop.

 

[preacher35]

Hello, I'm having the same issue with the A/C on my 04 V6. Today I took it to Nelson Auto Cool, 2592 Michigan Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34744
(407) 870-5444. He used 2 leak detectors (sniffers) and found the leak to be from the evaporator core drain house so the leak comes from the evaporator core. He gave a quote of $500 for the parts, R&R the core, and recharge the system. According to him, the dash do not need to come out. He seams to know what he is doing (automotive A/C only at his shop) and I have a couple of friends who have done repairs at his shop and are satisfied with the outcome. The only thing that I'm not 100% sure is the part where he said that the dash does not need to come out. please let me know if you have any information about another local shop.

OK, first, $500.00 for that evap core is RIDICULOUS! I can mail order it from oemparts123.com for $200.00. My mechanic purchased the evap core locally (when I had mine replaced) for about $300.00. Second, unless your mechanic is a magician, OR he enjoys plasma cutting firewalls, the dash will have to come out. I do not mean to sound rude, but I think you need to find a new mechanic. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

 

[nevada]

OK, first, $500.00 for that evap core is RIDICULOUS! I can mail order it from oemparts123.com for $200.00. My mechanic purchased the evap core locally (when I had mine replaced) for about $300.00. Second, unless your mechanic is a magician, OR he enjoys plasma cutting firewalls, the dash will have to come out. I do not mean to sound rude, but I think you need to find a new mechanic. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

it says $500 for the parts, and labor. that's a hell of a deal...

 

[preacher35]

it says $500 for the parts, and labor. that's a hell of a deal...

My bad... I didn't realize that "R&R" meant labor. Yes, if he is willing to do the entire job and provide the part for only $500.00, then that is the deal of the century as that job is a nightmare. Regardless, I cannot wait to see how he gets the core out without removing the dash. Please, please, PLEASE keep us posted!

 

[4run3er]

OK, first, $500.00 for that evap core is RIDICULOUS! I can mail order it from oemparts123.com for $200.00. My mechanic purchased the evap core locally (when I had mine replaced) for about $300.00. Second, unless your mechanic is a magician, OR he enjoys plasma cutting firewalls, the dash will have to come out. I do not mean to sound rude, but I think you need to find a new mechanic. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

it is $500 for the Evaporator core (part), labor to replace it, recharge the system, and check for leaks (to make sure everything is fine). I will keep everyone posted about how he will remove the core without removing the dash (if it can be done). There is another local shop that quoted me $826 including taxes for parts and labor with a 3 year warranty on everything.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I'd be interested to see how he's pulling the HVAC box without pulling the dash...

 

[preacher35]

it is $500 for the Evaporator core (part), labor to replace it, recharge the system, and check for leaks (to make sure everything is fine). I will keep everyone posted about how he will remove the core without removing the dash (if it can be done). There is another local shop that quoted me $826 including taxes for parts and labor with a 3 year warranty on everything.

The $826.00 for the whole shibang is more realistic, but still a damned good deal. I paid a little over $900.00 for parts and labor, but I think the average for the job is between $1,100.00 and $1,200.00. I don't suppose there is any way that you can video tape your mechanic removing the evap core (without removing the dash), is there?

 

[earthrealm]

Hello, I'm having the same issue with the A/C on my 04 V6. Today I took it to Nelson Auto Cool, 2592 Michigan Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34744
(407) 870-5444. He used 2 leak detectors (sniffers) and found the leak to be from the evaporator core drain house so the leak comes from the evaporator core. He gave a quote of $500 for the parts, R&R the core, and recharge the system. According to him, the dash do not need to come out. He seams to know what he is doing (automotive A/C only at his shop) and I have a couple of friends who have done repairs at his shop and are satisfied with the outcome. The only thing that I'm not 100% sure is the part where he said that the dash does not need to come out. please let me know if you have any information about another local shop.

is it normal for cold air to come out from the drain hose in the engine bay?...am assuming this is the same as the bolded text above.......when my a/c is on high, i get very cold air coming out from the drain hose......is this normal?

 

[wyanrard]

Had evap replaced at a local trusted shop with Toyota parts. $1100, ac now blows 29°