1996 Camry A/c Quit

[EEGTECH]

My A/C in my 1996 Camry wagon just stopped working, not gradual. Where is the first place to start? Should I check the fuse in case it is something so simple? This happened to my last camry around the same mileage, 126,000, it this some kind of phenomenon?

Thanks!
Dawn

[Stillrunning]

Without a set of pressure gauges it's pretty hard to diagnose A/C. If the compressor clutch is not engaging you could jump it and see if you get cold air. If cold air then look for relay, fuse, pressure switch problems.

[JohnGD]

What do you mean by "stop working". For example, does the AC light flash when this happens? Does the compressor stop turning? Or does it turn but you're not getting good cooling? etc etc

If the charge becomes low over the years you'd notice gradual cooling efficiency problems (takes a long time to cool, compressor stays on longer etc).

If the magnetic clutch can burn out. So see if the clutch turns when you turn on the AC.

If it doesn't turn, I'd try briefly jumpering the pressure switch (as in Haynes manual) and see if you can get it started (you'll verify the clutch magnet andcircuit).

Sure, it's best to get pressure readings as well. Toyota had a massive expansion valve recall a couple of model years earlier. I don't think it's ever fixed after that, but rather just covered under the comprehensive warranty.

Originally Posted by EEGTECH

My A/C in my 1996 Camry wagon just stopped working, not gradual. Where is the first place to start? Should I check the fuse in case it is something so simple? This happened to my last camry around the same mileage, 126,000, it this some kind of phenomenon?

Thanks!
Dawn

[EEGTECH]

John,
Thanks for your input. My A/C turns on but no cold air. I'll check the things you mentioned.

Thanks again,
Dawn

[JohnGD]

Also, if there is significant difference between the RPMs between the compressor and engine, the green AC light would start flashing. (The light will also flash if there are faults in the climate control system on fancier versions.)

So if the AC light is flashing it can tell you a few things. If the light doesn't even come on, then it may be something upstream of the clutch electrical (like a fuse).

Originally Posted by EEGTECH

John,
Thanks for your input. My A/C turns on but no cold air. I'll check the things you mentioned.

Thanks again,
Dawn

[skuttduck]

I had to recharge my A/C in my 2000 Camry last year. Overtime the seals can leak. Sounds like that is all you would need to do in your 96 Camry.

[georgiatwo]

1998 Toyota Avalon V6 with Manual AC temp. My air has worked beautifully and strong and I dont think it could be a compressor or freon issue. It just went out on Sunday. We were driving over a small ridge and after working wonderful and strong all day, the lights on AC just went out. I pulled over and could smell something burning or getting hot. I marked the pulley and clutch with perm marker to watch it turn to make sure it wasnt locked up and they were both still turning.
I may be wrong but I was thinking that since it has never given me any issues all these years and still blowing strong that it could just be a relay or an electrical issue. This is not intermittant and the control lights are not flashing, they are off. I have been hearing a slight ticking or rattling under hood that goes away when AC control is turned off. 2 weeks ago my Local mechanic said it was the serpentine belt and replaced it. Noise still here. Then after running the AC for a trip (several hours) everything went off- lights to the AC controls, fans and air conditioner. The clutch is still turning fine. Serpentine belt still intact. I checked the 10A fuse close to steering wheel and it was blown. I turned the AC control off and replaced the fuse. I turned the AC control on and it worked for a few seconds and then it blew the fuse. Could this be the magnetic coil for the clutch? It just seems electrical. Because the air has never had any problems or never stopped blowing cold air, it is hard to believe it would be a compressor. Because of the cars age, I dont want to put alot of money into it. I replaced the motor last year and it has almost 200K miles. I simply want to keep it as an extra auto for short drives to store. (Has anyone replaced ONLY the magnetic compressor clutch coil?)

[Mister_Perkins]

You can replace just the magnetic part of it, but I dont know if you can just purchase that part only..

I would suggest getting :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Facto...ries#vi-ilComp

[georgiatwo]

Great idea...I will look into this...