a/c compressor issues - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

32oz. · 07-20-2006, 09:34 PM

i really dont know how to describe this without you actually getting in the car. but here goes.

when the a/c is off ... the car idles great. when its on .. its rough as hell. almost as if the car is gonna die. and also the car lacks power with the a/c on. i know its common with all cars, but almost like a sputtering spaztic lack of power. its ...... hmm ..... lack of power, full power, and then a little sputter and then its off to normal. its weird.

does this make any sense?

would it be the a/c compressor going bad?

Doctor J · 07-21-2006, 09:00 AM

Make sure the idle speed goes to 900rpm with A/C on. If not, check your idle up system solenoid resistance. It must be about 40 ohms. For more info refer to gen.2 A/C manual, pages AC47, AC48. Usually, when compressor fails, it makes really loud banging noise.

32oz. · 07-21-2006, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctor J

Make sure the idle speed goes to 900rpm with A/C on. If not, check your idle up system solenoid resistance. It must be about 40 ohms. For more info refer to gen.2 A/C manual, pages AC47, AC48. Usually, when compressor fails, it makes really loud banging noise.

no noise yet really. just a ... ok, it sounds like a massive cam in a muscle car when at idle. does that help? but then i turn off the a/c and it smooths out. its weird. is it more than likely my compressor going out?

davemac2 · 07-22-2006, 12:52 AM

do as the Doctor has prescribed to make sure the idle-up is activated. Does the A/C actually cool well, and is there any noise coming from the compressor? Alternateively, you can try disconnecting the compressor clutch right at the compressor and see what happens too. When you turn on the A/C from the cabin, the engine idle speed should increase. If it does and you don't get the other sound you are hearing without the clutch energized, then I'd say your compressor is seizing up possibly.

Dave Mc

32oz. · 07-22-2006, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davemac2

do as the Doctor has prescribed to make sure the idle-up is activated. Does the A/C actually cool well, and is there any noise coming from the compressor? Alternateively, you can try disconnecting the compressor clutch right at the compressor and see what happens too. When you turn on the A/C from the cabin, the engine idle speed should increase. If it does and you don't get the other sound you are hearing without the clutch energized, then I'd say your compressor is seizing up possibly.

Dave Mc

thanks dave. and yeah .. it cools decently. but only in motion. it still blows cold air when at idle. just not very cold. its not warm either. ive seen that happen, it gets hot at idle and then cools when in motion (one of my work vans does that, its hell). and where is this sensor at? or was that manual the doctor spoke of online?

Doctor J · 07-24-2006, 10:19 AM

Yes, the air conditioning section of gen.2 manual you can download from this forum, read only section.

32oz. · 07-24-2006, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctor J

Yes, the air conditioning section of gen.2 manual you can download from this forum, read only section.

awesome, thanks. just in general ... has anyone else had this problem?

darkwish · 07-24-2006, 08:23 PM

Sounds like you need a new(or new used) idle up valve.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyot...spagenameZWDVW

32oz. · 07-24-2006, 08:37 PM

$0.99 + $3.00 = not that big of a loss to at least try it. thanks bro

Doctor J · 07-25-2006, 08:09 AM

Any toyota idle speed vcv solenoid with resistance of 40 ohms will work. I used one from 85 camry (it fits the mounting bracket), the wires need to be spliced. It seems, like these solenoids are mainly failing due to poor spot welding of the solenoid coil wiring to the contact terminals.
Earlier models have more robust design with lead wires between connector and solenoid coil.