Ignition Wire , Starter , AC problems

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vivekian - 06 Mar 2007 14:09 GMT

Hi,

My friend who owns a 1998 Toyota Corolla driven 120000 miles recently
had problems with his car starting up. Seems like the starter was
broken, although he stretched the car for a few days this way.
Recently, when he was driving the car wouldnt stop firing and even if
he tried would not shut down. Eventually the ignition wire burnt out
leaving a lot of smoke behind.

The car technitian said that the malfunctioning starter caused the
ignition wire to burn out and replaced both of them. This was fine,
but there is another problem now where when the AC is started , the
compresser locks and the engine stops.

Was just wondering if someone can point to what could be the problem
here or any pointers would be helpful.

Thanks,
vivekian

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Ph@Boy - 06 Mar 2007 19:40 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Thanks,
> vivekian

Are you certain that the AC compressor is frozen, or by pushing the
accelerator pedal a bit to increase engine speed can you keep it
running? Do you hear any "belt squeal"? It could be that the engine rpm
is not being increased when the compressor is started and that stalls
the engine. Please provide a bit more information.

Reply to this Message

vivekian - 07 Mar 2007 12:34 GMT

> > Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> is not being increased when the compressor is started and that stalls
> the engine. Please provide a bit more information.

Havnt tried that as yet, but i will ask him to do that. From what i
had seen, the car was started and was in the parking gear. Now after a
few seconds when the AC was started, the compresser would lock and the
car stop subsequently. Also, the AC had not given him any problems
earlier. Its only after the burning of the ignition wire that this has
happened.

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Ray O - 06 Mar 2007 19:53 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Thanks,
> vivekian

It sound likes the AC compressor is seized. If this is the case, the proper
fix is to slush the system out and replace the compressor and
receiver/drier. By any chance, did your friend refill the AC refrigerant
with a do-it-yourself kit?

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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vivekian - 07 Mar 2007 12:31 GMT

> > Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)

No, i dont think he changed the AC refrigerant on his own nor did a
mechanic. There is another thing which has been bothering me is that
the AC was working just fine till the ignition wire burnt out. Could
that have anything to do with this ? Have a feeling that it could be
the replacement wire has not been installed properly or the burning
out of the ignition wire caused the AC to seize ?

Thanks..
vivekian

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Ray O - 07 Mar 2007 20:05 GMT

>> > Hi,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
>> Ray O
>> (correct punctuation to reply)

No, i dont think he changed the AC refrigerant on his own nor did a

> mechanic. There is another thing which has been bothering me is that
> the AC was working just fine till the ignition wire burnt out. Could
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Thanks..
> vivekian

I think you need to go along with your friend to listen to the technician's
diagnosis and explanation because I think something is getting lost in the
relaying of information. For example, "ignition wire" can be a wire to the
ignition switch, or a primary or secondary circuit wire, or a high tension
wire. Also, I am not sure I understand what you mean when you say that the
AC compressor "locked." The term "locked" implies that the compressor is
seized and the compressor shaft will not rotate. Is this what you mean? If
the compressor is seized, you would probably hear the drive belt squeal. It
is normal for the magnetic clutch to engage when the AC is turned on, and
idle speed should increase slightly.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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