99 Camry: AC gets wet and stops working

[Cannonbolt]

When the front end of the car gets real wet (as in I hit a decent sized standing puddle of water) the AC light begins to blink and the AC won't blow cold. This is bad when I can't defog the windshield and then I can't see to drive the car. Is there a short somewhere? Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[Hajoca]

Check A/C Clutch connector and wire, then check accessory belt for tension or wear, make sure Accessory belt is not slipping when wet.

[davemac2]

Originally Posted by Hajoca

Check A/C Clutch connector and wire, then check accessory belt for tension or wear, make sure Accessory belt is not slipping when wet.

I second the above. It's likely your belt tensioner and the A/C pulley is slipping.

dave mc

[JohnGD]

If it's belt tension then it is the disadvantage of not having an automatic belt tensioner (jack screw is cheaper). Belt stretches over time and can become loose.

I recommend getting an inexpensive tension gauge like the following from your local NAPA store. I think you need 110 lb???

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?br...cation_id=2742

Originally Posted by Cannonbolt

When the front end of the car gets real wet (as in I hit a decent sized standing puddle of water) the AC light begins to blink and the AC won't blow cold. This is bad when I can't defog the windshield and then I can't see to drive the car. Is there a short somewhere? Any ideas? Thanks in advance.