Aircon Probs

[IanXT4]

Couple of ideas/thoughts

I would contact your first garage to see if a dye was injected with their service machine.

If it was, beg or borrow a UV lamp and have a look round the engine bay, any leak will probably be obvious.

If you draw a blank on the UV, make sure that the Toyota dealership understand that the A/C has been serviced already and something has failed. You don't want to pay for an A/C service just to be told its leaking, then pay further for diagnostics.

I would ask them to read the codes first and get a clear idea of the processes/steps they are going to use to diagnose the problem and how the charges will build up. Better to know this upfront before they have the system in expensive bits.

Unfortunatley A/C problems can be complex and have repair costs that escalate in main dealerships rapidly. Especially if its not realy their expertise area and they start throwing new parts at the problem.

I was in the service department once where someones wife had dropped off her car a for a service apparantly with the clear instruction to fix the AC. There was a gulp when the husband picking up the car was asked to pay £900 on top of the service for a new compressor.

I was told my Golf GTI would cost in excess of £1200 to repair the AC due to a compressor failure.

With a bit of research, followed by a compressor from a breakers, new PAG oil, new drier, access to Laptop diagnostics software and a having a main dealer drain down & later refill. Total DIY repair £200 (Still working 3 years later)

So proceed with care, your fault could be a simple cheap o ring failure. (few £ plus a service)

But if the service department does not inspire 100% confidence that they know how to proceed with your A/C repair walk away. when I last looked there were some very good specialist companies on the web. I would recommend one but my research is now well out of date.

Good luck

[IanXT4]

Does any body have a wiring diagram and system layout for the a/c system please, 2004 petrol rav 4.2.

I have only the climate control diagrams, let me know if you need them.

For a few Euros you can buy an hours download of all you can eat genuine Toyota service manuals/diagrams for your specific model.

http://www.toyota-tech.eu/

They usually have a section on A/C repair and diagnostics.

Be aware that when you download the documents the numbering system sucks, so create separate directories to download each subject into and rename the docs afterwards.

[Grumpy stumpy]

Just a quick question, just started my other car up and put a/c on, when its running there are no visible bubbles in the sight glass, just started the rav up today and a/ c is working again but will stop working if I turn off and back on, but the sight glass is full of bubbles when it's on is this correct as different to my other motor.

[IanXT4]

Attached is a document that gives some information on the sight glass. To really diagnose a pressure problem you need a set of guages to monitor low and high pressure sides.

On-Vehicle inspection.pdf

[Grumpy stumpy]

Attached is a document that gives some information on the sight glass. To really diagnose a pressure problem you need a set of guages to monitor low and high pressure sides.

On-Vehicle inspection.pdf

Thanks ian, just checked temp when running ok approx 11 degrees, checked my other car temp 6 degrees, then turned off and back on now stopped working and no flow in sight glass. Strange because seems to work ok first time you put it on although not really cold and when stop and back on plays up. Will have a look at drawing. Thanks for help appreciated.

[Grumpy stumpy]

My trusted garage I've used for over twenty years have put me in touch with an old retired aircon engineer with 45 years experience, he said he is willing to have a look at it for me and says sounds like not too much of a problem, possible expansion valve or just a dry joint, so the garage have offered him the use of their workshop and he's going to bring his gear & have a look on the 19 th so will let you know what he finds.

[Big Kev]

Good idea, Phil.....better not let it festerise just coz the winter is looming, or ye will end up with dried oot joints and seals which will leak like gubbery when you come to fill it next year, min.

[Grumpy stumpy]

My trusted garage I've used for over twenty years have put me in touch with an old retired aircon engineer with 45 years experience, he said he is willing to have a look at it for me and says sounds like not too much of a problem, possible expansion valve or just a dry joint, so the garage have offered him the use of their workshop and he's going to bring his gear & have a look on the 19 th so will let you know what he finds.

Well took my car over to roys motor company today ( my trusted garage ) and used there workshop. The retired aircon man asked what the fault was and said straight away thought it might be the clutch on the compressor, had a feel and said didn't feel right. He found the clutch worn and replaced the small shim. Ran and tested everything works fine now, even when warm which was the issue as first thing in morning when cold it worked but when stopped and restarted it diddnt .Said to see how it goes but may need a clutch at some point which can be replaced separate from the whole compressor. So too garage visits with work done and total bill of £60.00 so can't complain at that well happy. Reckons he can source me a good 2nd hand clutch if required. Just for info he fitted a slightly thinner shim.

[dwilson]

My trusted garage I've used for over twenty years have put me in touch with an old retired aircon engineer with 45 years experience, he said he is willing to have a look at it for me and says sounds like not too much of a problem, possible expansion valve or just a dry joint, so the garage have offered him the use of their workshop and he's going to bring his gear & have a look on the 19 th so will let you know what he finds.

Well took my car over to roys motor company today ( my trusted garage ) and used there workshop. The retired aircon man asked what the fault was and said straight away thought it might be the clutch on the compressor, had a feel and said didn't feel right. He found the clutch worn and replaced the small shim. Ran and tested everything works fine now, even when warm which was the issue as first thing in morning when cold it worked but when stopped and restarted it diddnt .Said to see how it goes but may need a clutch at some point which can be replaced separate from the whole compressor. So too garage visits with work done and total bill of £60.00 so can't complain at that well happy. Reckons he can source me a good 2nd hand clutch if required. Just for info he fitted a slightly thinner shim.

Glad that has been sorted for you - sounds like you have found a real expert

David

[Fekwhitt]

I also have aircon issue, on vvti 04 button lights up bit not drop in engine speed, and no cooling, where are the relays located pls.

Any thoughts on what to check 1st

TIA

[satts67]

Could be Air Con clutch or Compressor fault. If you are lucky a sticky relay ( located under the bonnet and a few quid to swap) if you are unlucky a blown fuse (why did it blow?) Possible new compressor required? If the compressor is being asked for (+12V) and there is ac gas, I'm afraid it could be garage time..

 

[Fekwhitt]

Thanks, noob Qs as i a new to aircon, what should i see in sight glass? It looks empty?. 

Is there a way to free clutch with compessor in situ?

Read something about grounding a white wire to (forciby) test clutch

Kwikfit will regas (FOC if it doesnt work)

Tia