AC Not Working: What Should I Do?

[bronsin]

2009 hatchback, 44 k miles. I seldom use the ac, mostly in winter for defrosting.


Is there anything I can check myself? How does one troubleshoot the ac and what tools are needed?

Thanks!

[tmontague]

Buy a pressure reading gauge, it will have a high and low side and allow you to see if you are low in coolant.

If you seldom us the a/c then changes are it is a seized compressor, but i'd first check the pressure of the coolant, this will also show if you have a leak.

That is why a/c should be run every week or so even just briefly. Keeps the oil in the coolant circulation through the compressor so it doesn't seize

[bronsin]

In winter it is but I'm not so good about summer.

Where do you hook up the gauge?

Will the gauge show a bad compressor?

[bronsin]

Checked my 2001 ECHO SERVICE MANUAL and first thing it says is check the sight glass for bubbles.

Yep lots of bubbles..

[tmontague]

On my sight glass it say I should see bubbles after use, but i've never really been able to see them, I don't trust that thing all too much.

You hook up the gauges to the high pressure side I believe. Not 100% sure but there iis , few good videos online about it.

It won't show a bad compressor per say but it'll help you point to that direction if that is in fact the issue

[Sirius-XM]

You have a couple options as far as a gauge. You can get a professional set that hooks up to both the high and low side or a can of Freon that comes with a gauge and hooks up to the low side.

Although technically a sealed system, over the years some Freon may leak out. I added a little Freon two years ago and has been fine since. Keyword is little, too much is real bad. If you go the Freon can route I would go no higher than the beginning of the green area on the gauge when adding freon. Look for one that has sealant and seal conditioner.

Bubbles is generally a good sign as it means the freon is moving and hasn't all leaked out.

[bronsin]

Toyota has the Yaris. They're going to pull a vacuum on the system after sucking it dry and see if the vacuum holds. This is $190.

Hmm the classic deal is do this then the system runs dry and its mo money for another component.

I ll let you know.

I like pulling the vacuum and wait and see if it holds. Hopefully they wait a year or so.:biggrin:

[tmontague]

As a side. I checked my a/c window after using it for 20mins. There was no bubbles and then I moved/tapped the viewing glass and bubbles appeared a stayed.

So I guess the bubbles do work but may need to be helpe with some movement for them to show

[bronsin]

Huh well here's the deal.

Toyota call ED space and said they drained and filled the system and found no leaks . They want me to come back in 500 miles and check again for leaks.

Im guessing they put dye in there in case it leaks.

Seems like a possible setup for more work for them to do and get paid for.:eek:

This is why you want to DIY but I'm to old for that anymore. :cry:

[bronsin]

Yep they put dye in.

Also they did a 10000 mile inspection for free and found nothing wrong and wrote it up. I think they get $300 for that.