2012 4.0, AC stopped working and the AC light blinks. Checked the fuse, swapped the relay, still no go. The clutch spins freely by hand and spins for a few seconds when you first turn on AC but then it stops.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by Leemur:
2012 4.0, AC stopped working and the AC light blinks. Checked the fuse, swapped the relay, still no go. The clutch spins freely by hand and spins for a few seconds when you first turn on AC but then it stops.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Probably need a new motor. My one problem with my 2007 is that it keeps going out. 3x now.

Google Fu says:

quote:

When an ac light is blinking it means electrical the ac system is commanding the compressor on but it isnt seeing the command.

The blinking light means that the detected RPM of the clutch does not correspond to the engine RPM. Usually low coolant pressure will not energize the clutch at all.

Here's a post with pictures from a Taco Forum showing the steps and possible causes the first post fully details the issues and dealing with the blinking light which is an indication of RPM issues the system sees between the clutch and engine and it has a fix.

Link

If the system is empty or very low of refrigerant, the compressor won't kick on.

Spent $50 on a can of AC Pro and when I hook it to the port, it shows over 100PSI. I know you’re supposed to hook to the low pressure port. The one I connected to is the only one I see. Yes the engine was running and AC on at highest setting as per instructions. The pulley is spinning now so it shouldn’t shred the belt. I’m at a loss. Got an appointment with a small place down the road to look at it.

quote:

Here's a post with pictures from a Taco Forum showing the steps and possible causes the first post fully details the issues and dealing with the blinking light which is an indication of RPM issues the system sees between the clutch and engine and it has a fix.

Having had experience working with this system, I concur. On most of them I have seen, the compressor never came on at all, but since apparently the OP's does work for a few seconds, it may well be that speed sensor. If not, it means the compressor has internally failed. This kind of failure is rare, almost unheard of, however.

Is there a pressure switch somewhere in that system?
Compressor starts, but if it doesn’t build pressure it kicks back off.
If system is fully charged, pressure switch could be bad.

Shop I took it to shows 100 psi. They’re draining it right now. Guess I’m about to find out how much this will hurt.

Either a compressor failure, a blockage somewhere or another issue the mechanic talked about which I didn’t understand. Minimum $400, possible $1500+ if it’s the last issue because it involves removing the dashboard and estimated 6-7 hours labor. Better yet, I’m leaving for vacation Saturday and no one can fix it before then. Driving to SE NC this time of year with no AC will be fun.

quote:

Minimum $400, possible $1500+ if it’s the last issue because it involves removing the dashboard and estimated 6-7 hours labor.

That would be the evaporator core. Very unlikely. If the compressor really "grenaded" (also unlikely), the condenser, receiver-dryer, liquid line and expansion valve will stop most debris before it gets in there. Probably scant comfort.

quote:

Originally posted by Leemur:
Spent $50 on a can of AC Pro and when I hook it to the port, it shows over 100PSI. I know you’re supposed to hook to the low pressure port. The one I connected to is the only one I see. Yes the engine was running and AC on at highest setting as per instructions. The pulley is spinning now so it shouldn’t shred the belt. I’m at a loss. Got an appointment with a small place down the road to look at it.

Just don't use the stuff with stop leak, it will cause more problems than it solves.

quote:

Originally posted by Leemur:
Better yet, I’m leaving for vacation Saturday and no one can fix it before then. Driving to SE NC this time of year with no AC will be fun.

Shop I’ve used before said it’s the compressor and they’re going to get it done for me today. I was literally sweating this one. When I get back from vacation, those guys are getting subs and drinks from me.

We went through 3 compressors in our 2013 Tacoma over the 99k miles we put on the vehicle from new. There were a few years 2011-2014 where there was a known AC defect and Toyota did nothing to address the issue other than a re-design somewhere around 2014. The cost of repairs averaged over $2500 per failure and soured me from the entire Toyota brand due to their response to the issue. The vehicle was ultimately totaled in an accident with my adult son driving and he walked away with minor facial abrasions from airbags so I am grateful the vehicle performed above expectations. Sorry about your AC compressor, do a little research and you will find your truck falls within the AC problem years.

It went 185k miles and 12 years so I can’t complain.