Newbie has Quick Question. Light On AC Button

[Southernized]

Just a quick question:

1. 2002 Camry XLE
2. Light on AC Button flashing
3. Called Service Department - Never heard of it. Said I should bring it in.
4.

Question: Does anyone know what this may be before I go down there and get charged an arm and a leg?

[Cello8619]

They should have heard of it, all of the previous generations had flashing a/c lights. If it is flashing that means there is a problem with the system and it should be brought in for servicing. On my 1996 if it is raining and I have the A/C on and I go through a puddle, sometimes the A/C belt will slip and the light will start flashing, and once I turn the A/C off and then on again its back to normal. So you might have a belt issue, or could really be anything related to the A/C. I hope this was a little bit helpful.

[ralfp]

Originally Posted by Southernized

Just a quick question:

1. 2002 Camry XLE
2. Light on AC Button flashing
3. Called Service Department - Never heard of it. Said I should bring it in.
4.

Question: Does anyone know what this may be before I go down there and get charged an arm and a leg?

First: Don't go to the dealer unless you have a good reason (warranty, you need something only they can do, you're friends, etc.)

Just a guess:

I think this happened to me (not sure if it was on my Camry or another car) when the AC evaporator froze solid. It was cold (a bit above freezing) and the condensation turned into ice. It went away when I turned it off and just ran the fan. The next time I turned it on it was fine.

EDIT: How long has this been going on for? I would wait to see if it goes away. Let the problem age until it becomes moot (as in goes away or you total the car) or critical.

[ruoknow]

My two cars (96 camry I4 and 96 avalon) have the same problem: AC indicator will flash when I need it most (defrost in a heavy rain).
I don't know why. Since two cars behave like this (avalon more serious acctually). I would take it as normal.

[dna59]

My '93 Cam ahs the same prob. Don't have the moeny to get it fixed, but luckily sometimes mine works mostly at high rpms though.

[dna59]

Finally went to fix mine and my light was blinking because the system had too much freon in it.

[stantoo]

I have this problem too! I go for weeks at a time where the light blinks and the ac blows hot air. Then, for no reason, it will stop blinking and the ac works for a week or two, then stops again. I took it into the dealer and they told me I needed a new compressor and clutch and some wire. They wanted $1300. to fix it!??! No way I can afford that. They charged me $120 for that information. What a waste!

I am pretty good mechanically and could probably fix it myself but I am not sure about dealing with the refrigerant. I don't see how the compressor and clutch could both be defective and cause these symptoms. Seems like it would be either/or these items and it would stop working alltogether.?? Anyone have any suggestions? Where can I get these parts used or cheap?

[d0rkiishchris]

Happens to me every time it rains a lot and leaves lots of standing water. Not to mention the power steering belt will slip if I have to make a super slow sharp turn. So the light must flash if the belt is slipping a lil bit because all of my belts are due for a change but they're not quite there yet lol.