2006 CE - A/C Condenser Needs Replacement

[wrx341]

SORRY FOR THE DOUBLE POST!

I own a 2006 Toyota Corolla CE (Manual transmission) with about 24,000 miles on it. This car has been absolutely perfect...until a couple of days ago, when I discovered that the air conditioning no longer worked. You know how your car idles a bit higher and loses some power when the A/C is running? This wasn't happening. The compressor failed to start up.

So, the next day, I took over to one of three Toyota dealerships in my city. The service technician assured me that it was probably an electrical relay or, at worst, the air conditioning clutch. I received a call a few hours later. As it turns out, a rock punctured the condenser, causing all the refrigerant to leak out. Since this isn't considered a manufacturing defect, it's not covered by the warranty. $500 for a new condenser.

I opted not to have it replaced. I quickly called Toyota Motor Corp. and complained. The customer service rep dispatched a file number to the dealership and told me that they (Toyota Motor Corp.) would see what they could do. Sure enough, the dealership concluded that since it isn't a manufacturing defect, it won't be covered by the factory warranty. Upon calling Toyota Motor Corp. for the second time, they concurred. I was given the analogy, "This would be like running over a nail, getting a flat tire, and expecting the tire manufacturer to pay for it." Yes. It's *exactly* like that.

This has to be a design flaw. Plain and simple. 99.9% of my driving is done on paved roads. A Google search revealed that the only car that seems to have this problem are the previous generation Honda Accords. Which brings me to my questions:

1. Even if the system were to have no refrigerant in it, shouldn't the compressor still be kicking on? Any possibility that it could still be an electrical problem? Any possibility that the dealership is trying to screw me over? (Hah. I should know the answer to that one already.)

2. What should I do at this point? I'll be writing a letter to Toyota Motor Corp., as I've heard of stories where automakers will pay for unusual repairs if you complain enough.

3. Even if the condenser were to get replaced, what's to stop this from happening again? Do I really have to worry about small rocks damaging the A/C system in my car from now on?

I apologize for the long post. Thanks to anybody that has taken the time to read this.

[DoubleEdgedWomb]

My friend's Civic had its sunroof destroyed by a rock landing just right in the middle of it. We were driving around, heard a clunk, then realized what had happened when he parked the car. Something of that nature is just a freak accident, you were the unlucky one it happened to and it'll probably never happen again to you or anyone else.

[stubborn1]

1. The compressor will not kick in unless there is a certain pressure in the refrigerant. No refrigerant (or open system) and the clutch won't kick in.

2. Get a quote from an independant shop to replace it. I can't see how this could possibly be Toyota's responsibility. Physical damage isn't covered by warranty.

3. It sounds like a freak occurance. Double check to make sure your front grille is intact and that there isn't a large hole that would allow an easy straight shot through.

[05_Echo]

You might want to try the auto wreckers in your area for a used part and then take that in and have the shop install that for you. It might save you a few dollars.

[retiredat44]

noooooooooooo... don't get a used condensor! get a new one! even if you get a new one on eBay for less than $100.00 it will be the best choise, a used one is a nightmare...

[mikered30]

There is a TSB out for a condensor guard, for 05-06 Corollas. Ask your dealer about it. TSB AC002-06

[the4starish]

Originally Posted by retiredat44

noooooooooooo... don't get a used condensor! get a new one! even if you get a new one on eBay for less than $100.00 it will be the best choise, a used one is a nightmare...

I take it you had a bad experience with a used condenser? What happened?

[retiredat44]

Originally Posted by the4starish

I take it you had a bad experience with a used condenser? What happened?

nope never bought a used one. But, it has to be in pristine condition. Why chance ruining your whole system tying to save $100 ???????

[amf1932]

On a 2006 car, I definitely would go for a new condenser.

[Ninja7]

I would say this is a manufacturer design boo boo. I own an 85' Coroola GT-S and used to own an 88' Corolla GT-S and both cars had a plastic guard or valance underneath the radiator and condenser to protect from debris. My 06' Corolla is wide open in front of the condenser thus easy access for debris to kick up and puncture the condenser.

[daniel2002p]

on the 9th genners the condenser is mounted right infront of the lower valance behind the air inlet so any debris is game to destroy it.... there is a part number at toyota around 26 bucks I think that puts mesh behind the air opening to avoid this yet somehow not covered by the warranty

D

[Im_crewman]

Does anyone have the part number for the protector in the TSB. Where could I find a copy of the TSB as well.

I have a 2007 and was thinking of putting the protector on my car since I drive alot of highway miles. For 30 bucks its cheap insurance.

[toyomoho]

Pickup some window screen and make a shield in front of the condensor.

[lildog64]

Originally Posted by mikered30

There is a TSB out for a condensor guard, for 05-06 Corollas. Ask your dealer about it. TSB AC002-06

i googled it and this showed up

"http://www.corolland.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19482"

" INFORMATION BELOW COPIED FROM ANOTHER BOARD

on august 19th TSB AC002-06 came out so im posting to hope help some fella's out and prevent future problems.

due to so many condensors going out on rolla's they made a fix. pretty much the same thing that has been mentioned.

they have a lower rad grill kit with mesh for $20.15

part # 53112-12190

for [COLOR=blue ! important][COLOR=blue ! important]dealer[/COLOR][/COLOR] install its 0.6 hr on non-S, 0.8 on S models.

with this TSB they have introduced a larger condensor (thickness) to install when the problem is introduced.

Info from Toyota Technical- [COLOR=blue ! important][COLOR=blue ! important]Toyota[/COLOR][/COLOR] will NOT cover this under warranty. It will be up to the dealer to goodwill warranty it at there choice. the above tsb will only be installed under warranty if the condensor has been damaged. there will be no reimbursement of past problems from toyota."

[lillybellis]

I had this same thing happen to me last month. I tiny little pebble that could barely be classified as a rock ruined my compressor. $731 to fix it (stupid me, on a 1 year old car I thought for sure it had to be some kind of manufacturer defect). I asked the mechanic if this type of thing happened a lot and he said that it did. He told me that the only way I could prevent it was to go to Home Depot and have them cut out a piece of plastic and screw it to the undercarriage of the car to stop rocks and debris from getting up there. But, he said that if I did that it would void my warranty.

Color me disappointed in Toyota for not rectifying this situation. I've called and written - no luck so far.