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View Full Version : AC Compressor, AC amplifier, other??



D6693
05-06-2010, 10:40 AM
I own a 2004 XA, (stamped 01/04), w/84k, about a month ago my AC just started blowing warm air intermittently. I have tried to lock in when it happens but it is total random. Seams to want to blow warm air when the RPM drop but sometimes I can sit parked and it will run for as long as I can sit. Most of the time when it blows warm I can rev it and it will come on and blow ice cold again, then again I could be doing 70mph and it will blow warm, Temps are around 44-54 when cold, and as warm as 80 when acting up. Outside temp I think was 88-90 when testing.
I took it to a local AC shop; they tested the electric on the fan, the relay, and even toned out the power going to the compressor, Then Checked the gauges and immediately said compressor is bad. They wanted $1,800 to replace that and the dryer.:eusa_liar: I wanted a second opinion so I went to another AC shop and they said it's definitely not your compressor it has low pressure that stayed around 30ish but never fluctuated, High side around 170-I think, and fluctuated a bit, they said it appeared to be the expansion valve, something sticking in the small orifice in the valve. He wanted 600 for that and the dryer to be replaced. So my buddy does AC and we replaced both for around $60. Vacuumed it down and recharged the system. It does the same exact thing!! Is AC diagnostics this complex? Could it still be the compressor? I was reading through the forums and found someone having what sounded to be the same situation. They said if all electrical tests checked out to replace the AC amplifier ($114.97,Dealer part). I'm just wondering is this what others still think or could there be something else? And is there a way to test my AC amplifier??
Then to top it all off I called the local Toyota service center and explained my situation and he said it's my Thermistor sensor@$41.54, I saw where that was in the repair manual!! Right on the evaporator core!!! That looks like a bear to get to. The tech also said the new compressors do not switch on and off (so you will not hear the click sound) So far I’ve spent $60.00 on 2 estimates, and $80.00 in parts. Maybe if I take it to Toyota they will give a definite description of the bad part and I can replace it myself. The heat is coming :wallb:– ARG...
Any AC Service techs out here or anyone that has had any experience - thanks all!!

dexdad82
05-31-2010, 10:15 PM
damn man, i did ac for a couple of years and the dryer/expansion valve sounded like the problem to me. when the ac is running and it does the warm air are any of the lines frosting over more than usual? i think it would be safer for you to take it to toyota and have them diagnose and do the acutal labor yourself. cuse dearlerships are usually expensive when it comes to parts and labor. sorry i cant help much but the thermistor sensor also sounds like one of the culprits to me. it would be a pain in the arse to get to but is doable and if you did it yourself it would be cheaper than the dealership