Sudden A/C loss ... cost?

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Russell - 22 Sep 2007 02:32 GMT

My A/C went out rather rapidly - first I noticed it just wasn't as cold
as usual; 10 min later it wasn't cold at all.

I've got a good list of things to check, and I guess I hope it is just a
drive belt - but if it is a leak, what am I looking at, cost wise?
Worth repairing or let the next person decide to do it?

1995 Camry LE 4cyl.

thanks,
Russell

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johngdole@hotmail.com - 22 Sep 2007 03:13 GMT

Is the compressor running? If so, there are inexpensive gauges at
Walmart and auto parts stores that will let you read at least the low
side pressure. For example, it shouldn't be 0 or nearly so.

If just a recharge, it's usually $100. Additional o-rings and labor
adds up. If they open up the system you may be looking at $300 labor
+parts. If it comes to a compressor the labor is about $600 plus parts
(easily totals $1000+).

www.id-usa.com has many articles on the AC system. You may be able to
find a few tips there:
http://www.id-usa.com/how_to.asp

> My A/C went out rather rapidly - first I noticed it just wasn't as cold
> as usual; 10 min later it wasn't cold at all.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> thanks,
> Russell

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Russell - 23 Sep 2007 15:36 GMT

Thanks. I can't tell if the compressor is running, except I suspect it
is b/c pressing the A/C button causes something to happen (something is
drawing on the power). I used a Haynes manual and some web-based A/C
diagrams (Camry-specific) to check things like was the belt slipping,
etc., and the only item that I can see/identify is the sight glass for
the refrigerant. I see nothing in it, but on the other hand, and this is
weird, the A/C started working again yesterday! Just as it had before.
No idea what caused it to fail on Friday, and no idea how that failure
could be "reversed" just by letting it sit overnight.

Meanwhile I will keep monitoring it. For 12 years old I don't expect
perfection, but A/C is a must where I live (Tennessee).

Again, thanks for the replies everyone.

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alvarorecoba5@gmail.com - 23 Sep 2007 19:58 GMT

> Thanks. I can't tell if the compressor is running, except I suspect it
> is b/c pressing the A/C button causes something to happen (something is
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Again, thanks for the replies everyone.

All about car ac systems

http://car-ac-systems.blogspot.com/

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johngdole@hotmail.com - 27 Sep 2007 01:59 GMT

If that's the case, check the condenser fan. That's usually on the
passenger side (or the driver side, depending on the arrangement for
the year) behind the radiator. It should turn when you press the AC
button.

If the condenser fan isn't working when it's HOT out there, then
excessive high side pressure can trip a pressure switch (on the
receiver/drier) and turn off the AC. When things cool down, it'll work
again.

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Mark A - 22 Sep 2007 05:57 GMT

> My A/C went out rather rapidly - first I noticed it just wasn't as cold as
> usual; 10 min later it wasn't cold at all.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> thanks,
> Russell

On a twelve year old car, it could be the compressor, which is big bucks.
Based on your symptoms (rapid failure) compressor failure is likely,
especially if it makes some unusual noises.

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mred - 25 Sep 2007 13:31 GMT

> My A/C went out rather rapidly - first I noticed it just wasn't as cold
> as usual; 10 min later it wasn't cold at all.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> thanks,
> Russell

MY `02 Camry-4 (60,000 miles)went the same way only it never came back
on.

(made in Japan)

taking it to a reliable A/C shop recomended by the dealer it was
discovered there was a leak in a double tube that is part of the A.C
sytem. (No I dont know what it does)

Anyway the new double tube was $398.00 Canadian +labour +taxes and
R-134
came to almost $650.00.(Canadian)
NO after market parts available for Toyota here.

Hope this helps .

think I`ll go back to Honda next car .I never had problems like A/C
and charcoal canisters in my Hondas.

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Russell - 27 Sep 2007 13:19 GMT

> Anyway the new double tube was $398.00 Canadian +labour +taxes and
> R-134
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> think I`ll go back to Honda next car .I never had problems like A/C
> and charcoal canisters in my Hondas.

Ouch. Well, I've had both, and on the whole, the Honda was more fun, but
the Toyota has had fewer hard-to-fix nuisance problems (like fogged
headlight/taillight assemblies, rust. But I'm comparing a Civic to a
Camry. The Accord may have had higher quality.

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