Auto air conditioning

[mtnc]

Only had my 2004 SE for 2 weeks (replacing my 1991 4Runner after 13 years and 222k miles), and I've noticed that in the Auto position, I get a lot of air through the defrost vents, even though the indicator shows the foot only position lit. It's loud enough to be annoying. I do not have the defrost button selected on the rocker switch. Is this normal, or do I have a problem?

 

[jharris2]

Only had my 2004 SE for 2 weeks (replacing my 1991 4Runner after 13 years and 222k miles), and I've noticed that in the Auto position, I get a lot of air through the defrost vents, even though the indicator shows the foot only position lit. It's loud enough to be annoying. I do not have the defrost button selected on the rocker switch. Is this normal, or do I have a problem?

Sounds like you may have a problem...on mine, the air always seems to go where the indicators are.

Just as a test, have you checked to make sure the air comes out where it should in manual mode? It's possible that the switch is having a problem.

 

[mtnc]

Checked it in manual. Anytime the floor vent is selected, 50% of the air comes out of the defrost vents. All other selections seem to work as intended. Anyone else have a similar problem, or is it even a problem. I noticed tonight that the owner's manual says: 3. Floor

 

[Mark86]

I have noticed that hot air comes out of the defroster vents near the front passenger and driver windows when the system is set to blow the air to the floor. I never thought this was a problem. I was under the assumption that this was to prevent ice from forming on the windows. Does air also come out of the defroster vents near the front windshield? I keep on trying to figure out how this auto climate control system works but it is very confusing. I just set my temp and let the system do its thing!

 

[mtnc]

The air is definitely coming from the windshield vents. I wouldn't care if it were not so loud. It sounds and feels that more air comes from the top than the bottom. I also would like to be able to disable the air conditioner coming on in the winter, except for defogging the windscreen. I too am having trouble figuring out the Auto-air operation.

 

[Northof49]

Checked it in manual. Anytime the floor vent is selected, 50% of the air comes out of the defrost vents. All other selections seem to work as intended. Anyone else have a similar problem, or is it even a problem. I noticed tonight that the owner's manual says: 3. Floor

 

[mtnc]

Like I said earlier, I wouldn't care at all if it were not so loud. I'm sure I will learn to live with it. I just wanted to know if it was normal. Anyway, love my truck. I still am having trouble putting my '91 4R up for sale. It is like a part of the family. I did remove the V6 emblem from the grill and installed it on my new one. Just had to keep a small part of it.

 

[jharris2]

Like I said earlier, I wouldn't care at all if it were not so loud. I'm sure I will learn to live with it. I just wanted to know if it was normal. Anyway, love my truck. I still am having trouble putting my '91 4R up for sale. It is like a part of the family. I did remove the V6 emblem from the grill and installed it on my new one. Just had to keep a small part of it.

What you might consider is having it checked the next time you've got the truck in for service. Certainly can't hurt, but doesn't sound like it's worth a trip just for that issue.

 

[JP4RNR]

Many of the newer Toyotas are setup this way.....my Matrix, for example, has simple manual dials for HVAC controls, and even then setting it to "floor" results in a decent amount of air out the windshield vent.

The dealer will probably avoid working on it because there's probably nothing wrong with it....

The A/C light will come on whenever the auto function is used.....annoys me too, but I just turn it off every time.

I noticed too in automode that the A/C light stays on all of the time. Does this mean the A/C compressor is always engaged?

 

[toto]

No... the light is on because the system might engage the A/C compressor. As long as it's above freezing outside, the system may use the A/C as a dehumidifier for either heat or cooling. Think of the light as meaning the A/C is "enabled", not necessarily running.

 

[Fro-Runner]

Like I said earlier, I wouldn't care at all if it were not so loud. I'm sure I will learn to live with it. I just wanted to know if it was normal. Anyway, love my truck. I still am having trouble putting my '91 4R up for sale. It is like a part of the family. I did remove the V6 emblem from the grill and installed it on my new one. Just had to keep a small part of it.

Welcome to your new 4th generation 4Runner. What you may want to consider is that your interior airflow filter may be clutter with something. Better yet, it sounds as if something may have been dropped or rolled down into your defrost vents. It is NOT suppose to make a loud noise when the floor is selected. I run mine on floor about 80% of the time. It is whisper quiet.

I would: 1) Take it to the dealership if it is still under the 36k bumper to bumper warranty.

2) check interior HVAC system filter-- located behind the glove box mini top box. You have to remove the glove box to access it.

3) try to look through your window shield from the outside to see if something is stuck in your defrost vents. ie: see if there is food particles, pen caps, paper clips, or any other evidence of a lax previous owner. One paper clip can make a lot of noise if stuck in the wrong position. It could be a stick of gum, breath saver mint, etc.

4) Try to find yourself an air hose blow out attachment. By this I mean you could purchase a less than $10 air hose attachment then go to a .50 cent rent-an-air blower machine and blast some air down your defroster vents.

5) Take apart your dash on a lazy weekend and track down the source with self gratification. You can find the instructions on this site by using the search button.

6)Go luck! Just be sure to put it back together the same way you took it apart.