Another A/C question

I searched the threads and didn’t find any definitive answers. Let me know if I’m on the right track or any suggestions.
Start the truck (‘05 DC 4x4) turn the a/c on. Light illuminates, rpm goes up and it begins to cool down. After about 1-2 minutes light on a/c button begins to flash and the cooling stops.
From what I think I’ve gathered I’ve got a low coolant/freon issue? I live in north Florida so a/c is essential here in another month or so!
Thanks in advance

 

You've got a problem that needs more diagnosis than that. Need to hook some gauges up and do some leak detection. The flashing lights mean a high or low pressure condition so the compressor gets shut off. could have an obstruction in the system, could have a leak, could be overcharged, compressor may be shot....

 

Not necessarily. Soem folks on here had a flashing light like that because the ground/its plate I'm circling here was loose; someone reinstalled the wrong length after doing the timing belt, and the plate didn't sit flush and create proper ground. Basically the "very loose" plate was the issue, because the "tight" bolt was too long.

But @KNABORES is right, you really should hit a well-rated HVAC specialty shop and have them diagnose. Others on here have stated their light was flashign due to over-pressurization and under-pressurization. A/C is difficult to diagnose on your own unless you have and know how to use gauges.

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@KNABORES I’ll do a quick check to make sure there’s nothing blocked/clogged then run it in and let someone throw some gauges on it.

 

@shifty` I did have the timing belt water pump changed about 2 years ago so I’ll check that too. Where exactly is that? Do you have a more panned out pic?

 

I don't have a panned out picture and not in a place to shoot a pic. Note the "143a" coolant sticker on the compressor. Note to the right of that in the photo, the larger multi-wire harness. Also, the "ht" in the word "tight" is on top of another 2-wire or 3-wire connector. Chase the wires to the compressor, and you'll find this, if it's the same setup on your truck.

 

Low Freon doesn’t just happen. It’s a leak if that’s your issue. But it doesn’t seem like it. Low Freon would result in the air not getting cold at all and then continuously running it would burn out the compressor.

best way to describe it is. Freon has the lubricant mixed in. So just imagine is the coolant and oil. Together. And the a/c compressor is a little engine (pistons and all)

what’s happen when you run an engine without oil? Shards of metal throughout the system.

if in fact your system is low on Freon. Discontinue use until you get the parts replaced. You WILL need a system flush, and a few hoses/valves replaced along with a complete and proper recharging of the system.

if you go cheap, you’ll be paying a visit to the mechanic again.

I only say all this since my dad was an AC and power window specialist. I’ve seen it all. Just do it right the first time.

 

I usually subscribe to the buy once cry once methodologie.

 

In that case. Just go straight to your local a/c specialist and have them diagnose it. Ideally somebody who specializes in Toyotas.

IMO your issue sounds electronic. However without diagnosing the vehicle myself that is simply a shot in the dark. there can be many other factors involved as to why your system is freaking out the way it is. The odd part is the turns on fine and after a minute or 2 the light flashes.

if you can turn the a/c on. And go to your compressor and see what the clutch is doing. Normal on, hold for a little while, then off? Or rapidly locking and unlocking?

rapidly locking and unlocking is a sign of either low freon, bad clutch magnet, bad pulley or a combination of all the above.

If it is acting normal then there maybe something else a foot…..

 

Just want to emphasize this point above ^^

Specifically an AC specialist. Don't bother with a non-AC shop. Find someone with at least 20 Google reviews and still has at least 4 stars. Read the reviews. Unless you have a word-of-mouth option. But never visit a generalist when it only pertains to a specific system.

 

+1


A lot of AC specialists also rebuild their compressors. A great way to save some $$$

 

For what it’s worth, mine did this last summer, and it was not the coolant levels. I am assuming the compressor but not 100% sure.

 

coolant and Freon are 2 different things.

 

I’m headed to a/c shop this morning to get this thing working. I’ll check back later with results.

 

Well it’s the compressor/ clutch I think…guy was a Toyota mechanic for 20 yrs. Definitely had good knowledge…he owned a 2010 tundra parked right at the front door. Asked a lot of questions about my truck and what had done to it. Also talked about hunting out in Wyoming. Anyway seemed like a pretty decent dude. I say all that but does $1100 sound about right? It is a 19yr old truck with 195k on it? Y’all tell me. Aside from doing the Freon work is it some I could tackle myself?
I did the leveling kit, valve cover gaskets, and the big one…the starter!!! And it didn’t even need it!

 

You wont be able to recover the refrigerant properly or recharge it at home without the equipment to draw vacuum in the system prior to filling with the appropriate weight of refrigerant and oil. The compressor swap is easy enough. Also needs a new filter dryer if you’re opening the system.

 

Do LAPS rent out that kind of equipment?

 

I would 100% stay away from trying to recover and recharge your system at home unless you are experienced in using a proper refrigerant machine. Such as from Robinair.

$1100 seems more than reasonable

 

Agree. New compressor and filter / dryer, empty and recover old refrigerant, draw vacuum on repaired system and leak check, fill system with appropriate amount of refrigerant by weight, and then check hi side and low side pressures to adjust using your years of experience to know what issues to look for and how to adjust for variables is worth $1100 to stay cool in the Florida heat. I’m a DIY kinda guy. I have the shop do my AC and transmissions.

 

You should be able to easily install all the necessary parts. However, the thing you’re really paying for is for the tech to PROPERLY recover and recharge your a/c system. If you do that part wrong (like with that dog shit freon kit from the zone) You will be having rebuy and replace all the parts that any contaminants have entered.

also to note, MOST a/c shops will NOT warranty ANYTHING if you install the parts yourself.

 

Shit, most compressors cost 50% of that bill. My assumption is labor itself is actually not that high (hourly) as our AC systems are relatively easy to work on.

 

Roger that…guess I’ll work an extra day to offset the expenses. I really appreciate y’all’s advice and experience/expertise!

 

We evacuated and recharged @RUSTYNUTS system out in the woods of big bear, even did a nitrogen purge

 

have a local guy do a recover and recharge. Tell them you think it’s time just to make sure the Freon/oil levels are good and to double check for leaks. “It’s been about a year” which is what is recommended.

that should help get rid of any naughty bits y’all could of possibly introduced. The only thing that is of concern would be the compressors inner seals. Kinda like piston rings.

buuttttt I’m just throwin’ out Recs.

 

Certified professional here, we did it right

 

I paid $1,200 for the same on my last truck. I am happy to diagnose A/C on my own, but if you gotta crack the seal on the system, I'm hiring a shop. It's one of the few things I just don't touch.

 

Can confirm.