Odd A/C Problem

[tmcclure]

Hi all. I'm a new member and have read some great posts and seen some awesome pics of 4-runners from all over. Great Site! I have a 03 runner with 155k on her and she still runs great. I have been having an odd A/C issue where I get cold A/C from passenger vents only. Drivers side blows air but not cool air like passenger side. I have replaced cabin filter and looked for any obvious blockage. Any advice? Thanks

 

[mountainbiker42]

Are all the ducts inside/under the dash connected properly? There's a device just like a blend door for your temperature that directs the air to certain ducts. Maybe it's stuck or something. This doesn't answer the question but I'm just thinking out loud here.

 

[nevada]

im pretty sure that means the system is low.

do a search on here, you should find more then a few threads stating the same thing.

 

[preacher35]

Hi all. I'm a new member and have read some great posts and seen some awesome pics of 4-runners from all over. Great Site! I have a 03 runner with 155k on her and she still runs great. I have been having an odd A/C issue where I get cold A/C from passenger vents only. Drivers side blows air but not cool air like passenger side. I have replaced cabin filter and looked for any obvious blockage. Any advice? Thanks

[MENTION=113564]tmcclure[/MENTION], I'm sorry to tell you that you have freon leak somewhere in your system and the cold air that you currently feel from the passenger vents will soon turn to warm air. You have to go have it checked out for leaks. One thing to note is that 4th gen Runners are notorious for EVAPORATOR leaks and yours has about the right mileage for when it begins to happen. If your mechanic cannot find a leak in the engine compartment, then it is very likely that your evaporator is the culprit. The evaporator is located BEHIND your dash, against the firewall. Unfortunately, unless you do it yourself, this is going to be expensive as the ENTIRE dash has to be removed. I mean EVERYTHING, down to the firewall. Average repair cost for leaking evaporator is about $1,100.00 - 1,300.00. Not trying to scare you, but we have seen this A LOT on T4R.org! Keep us posted.

 

[Coveman]

Has anyone tried the freon with the stop leak additives as a stop gap fix?

 

[preacher35]

Yes, I have tried it. And it will work for a short period of time (depending on the size of the leak), but understand, that by adding stop leak, YOU REDUCE THE LIFE OF YOUR COMPRESSOR, as this additive makes it more difficult for the compressor to cycle. It's like adding glue to a motor. You're better off skipping the band aid, biting the financial bullet and get it fixed the thorough route. Sorry, just my 2 cents.