Camry 1997 A/C light blinking

[abigor]

Hi ALL!

We have 1997 Camry v4 2.2L, every time I use the car in traffic, the A/C light blinks and then the blower will start blowing hot air, to temporarily resolve this issue I turn off the A/C then turn it on again and the blower will start blowing cold air.

My mechanic said that I need to replace the board that controls the A/C,

Any idea how will I validate my mechanics suggestion? and what do you call that board that controls the A/C.

Thanks!!

[vincentfox]

I had a similar "blinking light", but it turned out being more than just a board.

IMO the best thing for an older Camry:

Strip out the AC unit, enjoy the enhanced fuel economy.

[Yuko]

I had a problem with the A/C button blinking. It turns out that the belt was slipping when it rains; tighten it and fix.

The other thing I can think of is the compressor clutch failing/slipping or not building enought pressure at idle speed.

Originally Posted by abigor

We have 1997 Camry v4 2.2L,

Also, for future reference; it an I4 for inline.

[Specialmen240]

i had the same problem in my camry but my brother say the problem in my auto climate control

[Stillrunning]

Originally Posted by abigor

My mechanic said that I need to replace the board that controls the A/C, Any idea how will I validate my mechanics suggestion?

Did your mechanic just wing this diagnosis off the top of his head or did he inspect your system?

[abigor]

Originally Posted by vincentfox

I had a similar "blinking light", but it turned out being more than just a board.

IMO the best thing for an older Camry:

Strip out the AC unit, enjoy the enhanced fuel economy.

So what is it then?

Nice idea but sad to say it won't work for me as we live in tropical country.

Thanks anyway

[abigor]

Originally Posted by Yuko

I had a problem with the A/C button blinking. It turns out that the belt was slipping when it rains; tighten it and fix.

The other thing I can think of is the compressor clutch failing/slipping or not building enought pressure at idle speed.



Also, for future reference; it an I4 for inline.

If my belt is slipping I should hear a sound right? or it not always the case?

Compressor clutch failing/slipping, do you think I need to buy new compressor or it is something that my mechanic can fix?

Thank you for correcting me with that I4 thing,

Anyway what's the standard alternator for 1997 camry? (70A, 90A or 110A)

[abigor]

Originally Posted by Specialmen240

i had the same problem in my camry but my brother say the problem in my auto climate control

So did your brother able o fix it?

[abigor]

Originally Posted by Stillrunning

Did your mechanic just wing this diagnosis off the top of his head or did he inspect your system?

I'm not sure how did he came up with that suggestion, because I left the car in his shop for 3 days for tire change, engine support change etc.

Thanks

[JohnGD]

The light flashes when the RPM of the compressor differs from the RPM of the engine. This can happen, as you said, if the compressor is seizing, the AC belt is slipping, or the clutch isn't engaging.

Check the AC charge first.

In the US we have these Walmart cans that we can add a few oz after about 4-5 years to make it cold again. There was an EPA study that the average leak rate is 10% per year. I think that's high for later model years however.

Originally Posted by abigor

Hi ALL!

We have 1997 Camry v4 2.2L, every time I use the car in traffic, the A/C light blinks and then the blower will start blowing hot air, to temporarily resolve this issue I turn off the A/C then turn it on again and the blower will start blowing cold air.

My mechanic said that I need to replace the board that controls the A/C,

Any idea how will I validate my mechanics suggestion? and what do you call that board that controls the A/C.

Thanks!!

[abigor]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

The light flashes when the RPM of the compressor differs from the RPM of the engine. This can happen, as you said, if the compressor is seizing, the AC belt is slipping, or the clutch isn't engaging.

Check the AC charge first.

In the US we have these Walmart cans that we can add a few oz after about 4-5 years to make it cold again. There was an EPA study that the average leak rate is 10% per year. I think that's high for later model years however.

Thank you John, what do you mean by A/C charge?is that a freon in can? if you are talking about the freon then I don't think it's the freon as my mechanic refilled it before I opened this thread.

Thank you for your time and idea.

[Yuko]

Originally Posted by abigor

Anyway what's the standard alternator for 1997 camry? (70A, 90A or 110A)

It should be a 90A alternator.

Originally Posted by abigor

Thank you John, what do you mean by A/C charge?is that a freon in can? if you are talking about the freon then I don't think it's the freon as my mechanic refilled it before I opened this thread.

Thank you for your time and idea.

A/C charged is the refrigerate in the system. (Freon is DuPont’s brand) If the system is full at the correct pressure; I would check to see if the compress is engaging. With the engine running, you can check to see if the compressor clutch is engaging or slipping. You should see and hear it click in and out and cycle over when load is light.

Also, what is your idle speed in gear? 650-750rpm is normal.

[abigor]

Originally Posted by Yuko

It should be a 90A alternator.



A/C charged is the refrigerate in the system. (Freon is DuPont’s brand) If the system is full at the correct pressure; I would check to see if the compress is engaging. With the engine running, you can check to see if the compressor clutch is engaging or slipping. You should see and hear it click in and out and cycle over when load is light.

Also, what is your idle speed in gear? 650-750rpm is normal.

I learned something new today (Freon is a brand)! Thanks!

For your question, I think my idle at drive gear is around 800-850rpm.

It's very hard for me to observe the slipping as it only happens when I'm caught up in traffic but I will still try.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH KUDOS FOR YOU !

[JohnGD]

If your mechanic already charged up the system then check the operation of the cooling fans. When you turn on the AC both fans should spin.

[houra]

The main problem is your AC Amplifier, next to your ECU

Or check your MG/CL Relay, under your hood relay box(also you can change it with Horn relay)