A/C problem with a friends 2002 camry XLE V6 - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

BlackCamSe · 05-12-2008, 05:35 PM

My friend has a 2002 japan built XLE V6 with automatic climate control. When he went to turn on his a/c, the light just started blinking. When he told me i went out and checked the relays under the hood, and dash. All were fine. SO i had him hit the ac with the engine running when i was looking under the hood. The cooling fans kick in for a few seconds, but the compressor doesn't engage so the fans just turn off. From what i have told you, would anyone know if he just needs a refrigerant recharge? OR is it possibly a seized compressor? Thanks in advance for the help.

carlo$ · 05-12-2008, 07:04 PM

2002 to new for needing a recharge. something else is wrong.

***CharmCityES*** · 05-12-2008, 11:21 PM

that could be a multitude of things....first of all, if the blinking light indicates a compressor speed problem...that could mean...
-oily, slipping or damaged drive belt
-damaged or incorrectly shimmed compressor clutch
-damaged or shorted a/c wire
-overcharged system causing a slipping belt or compressor clutch
make sure the compressor clutch is in fact engaging first, to prove it has energized, confirm the fans start right up at low speed, and listen for any strange compressor noises....its very unlikely its a compressor lock up, but it could be. there was a TSB out on 02-03 models for a relay in the compressor circuit, so this could also be an issue, as i applied the TSB to my early build 03 and no problems

gdanaher · 05-13-2008, 07:09 AM

In my experience the blinking light is an indication of low refrigerant pressure. Check your pressures, they are probably low. You can temporarily jump the low pressure switch to get the compressor to run continuously with low pressure. Now, why is the pressure low?
-leaking valve
-leaking hose
-leaking compressor seal

Find and fix the problem before you throw R134a at it. In any event if you don't know what you are doing, and it sounds like you don't, have some ehlp from a pro.

BlackCamSe · 05-13-2008, 08:43 AM

the cooling fans kick in at low speed for a few seconds, then turn off because the compressor doesn't turn on.

TRD VVTi · 05-13-2008, 10:49 AM

How did you check the relays?

The most common cause of this problem is a faulty A/C relay. That's doesn't mean that it's the actual problem, but it's very common.

Does the system have a charge?

ShawnM · 05-13-2008, 11:10 AM

Had the relay issue with my wifes 03. If I remember right there is a updated relay for it, assuming that is your problem.

BlackCamSe · 05-13-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

How did you check the relays?

The most common cause of this problem is a faulty A/C relay. That's doesn't mean that it's the actual problem, but it's very common.

Does the system have a charge?

i checked all of the fuses under the dash, and the fuse box under the hood. All looked fine. And i don't know if it has a charge as of now. where would the a/c relay be?