Possibly stupid AC question - Toyota Yaris Forums

Pingouin · 10-28-2011, 02:43 AM

This year, I had to refill my AC, but they couldn't find any leak. They told me that if the previous owner didn't run the AC for a while and the fluid stagnated, it would be normal that the pressure dropped.
So, my question: if I turn my AC on, do I have to blow cold air (i.e. set the temperature knob on cold) for the coolant to circulate?
My guess is "no", but I'd rather check with someone better informed!
Thanks!

UTVitz · 10-28-2011, 11:52 AM

no, as long as the a/c button is pressed in and the little green light comes on the R134 refrigerant will circulate regardless of where you have the temperature set. Also, if you ever rotate the knob over to defrost settings you will automatically trigger the a/c compressor to help dehumidify.

I try to run my a/c once a week for 10 minutes or so year around to keep the system in trouble free condition and for 20 years I have yet to have an a/c problem with any of my vehicles. non-use is the death of an a/c system, the refrigerant is the life blood that lubricates the seals throughout.

RedRide · 10-28-2011, 12:09 PM

Yes..... Any time you have your windshied defroster on combined with the fan, your AC is on even in the winter.

To the OP...... there must have been a leak somewhere.

Pingouin · 10-28-2011, 04:35 PM

Thanks guys, just as I thought!
Good to know about the defrost position, I didn't know that.

@RedRide: they tested my circuit before refilling (they always do apparently) and couldn't find a leak. I had it refilled in July and it still blows cold, so I don't think I have a leak. Also the mechanic said that for the A/C to stop working, I didn't need the whole refrigerant to be gone, the AC would stop working if the pressure was insufficient.

10-28-2011, 02:43 AM	#1
Pingouin Drives: Yaris Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Outside of it Posts: 28	Possibly stupid AC question This year, I had to refill my AC, but they couldn't find any leak. They told me that if the previous owner didn't run the AC for a while and the fluid stagnated, it would be normal that the pressure dropped. So, my question: if I turn my AC on, do I have to blow cold air (i.e. set the temperature knob on cold) for the coolant to circulate? My guess is "no", but I'd rather check with someone better informed! Thanks!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
OK - I'm sure this is a stupid question...	MyYarisIsCalledWitt	Cosmetic Modifications (Exterior/Interior)	6	07-19-2010 02:23 PM
Stupid question regarding 5,000 maintenance	wiirenet	DIY / Maintenance / Service	18	01-09-2010 06:09 AM
Stupid Question..maybe...but I have to ask...	SIPNGAS	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	5	11-29-2008 01:47 AM
Stupid question about installing a radio	fmicle	In Car Entertainment + Electronics (audio / video / alarm)	6	05-26-2007 04:20 PM
Stupid question	makelikemorning	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	5	08-06-2006 03:43 PM

10-28-2011, 11:52 AM	#2
UTVitz Drives: Black Vitz Liftback Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 238	no, as long as the a/c button is pressed in and the little green light comes on the R134 refrigerant will circulate regardless of where you have the temperature set. Also, if you ever rotate the knob over to defrost settings you will automatically trigger the a/c compressor to help dehumidify. I try to run my a/c once a week for 10 minutes or so year around to keep the system in trouble free condition and for 20 years I have yet to have an a/c problem with any of my vehicles. non-use is the death of an a/c system, the refrigerant is the life blood that lubricates the seals throughout.

10-28-2011, 12:09 PM	#3
RedRide Drives: '09 Yaris carmine red 2d HB Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Middletown, NY Posts: 1,501	Yes..... Any time you have your windshied defroster on combined with the fan, your AC is on even in the winter. To the OP...... there must have been a leak somewhere.

10-28-2011, 04:35 PM	#4
Pingouin Drives: Yaris Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Outside of it Posts: 28	Thanks guys, just as I thought! Good to know about the defrost position, I didn't know that. @RedRide: they tested my circuit before refilling (they always do apparently) and couldn't find a leak. I had it refilled in July and it still blows cold, so I don't think I have a leak. Also the mechanic said that for the A/C to stop working, I didn't need the whole refrigerant to be gone, the AC would stop working if the pressure was insufficient.