Climate control question - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

tr7driver · 06-24-2008, 08:59 AM

We took a 1200 mile trip last week in our 00 Av and the climate control seems to be stuck on “very cold.” No matter where I set the temp in the auto mode, it just chills and chills. (The AC on this car appears to be very efficient) Any Ideas?

Anyone know where the thermostat sensor is located? I thought I’d see if I could test it as a starting point.

I have only owned this car since March and my wife usually drives it, so I’m still getting familiar with it. I’m not sure how well it maintains the temperature in the heat mode.

Thanks

***toyomoho*** · 06-26-2008, 06:48 PM

The temp sensor may be in front of the evaporator air outlet. The issue could be the AC control assy or the cold/warm air mix door.

Might try disconnecting the AC compressor and then determine if the warm air can be adjusted or is available.

tr7driver · 06-30-2008, 08:44 AM

When I turn the AC off and turn the temperature up, it blows hot air.

dwreed3rd · 08-01-2008, 04:19 PM

We have a 2000 AValon XLS w/108K miles on it. Evidently the CC is even a mystery to the service technitions and specialists. It seems to be quite complex with some 7 or more temperature sensors throughout the car, adjusting pots behind the dash, auto and dual controls. The last time they had it for three days and still could not figure it out. After 8 years we just have to run the temp up a little higher to maintain a comfortable cabin in the winter. Haven't noticed any temp problems in the summer. Just the annoying flapping noises coming from the console area when it can't deside which butterfly valves it wants open or closed. Thank goodness for a good stereo radio. We chose to put up with the noise as long as we still have adjustment left for the temp. Repair and/or replacement costs ranged from $1500 to over $3000.
I know this is not what you want to hear and maybe someone will have a post with better news. I haven't looked for awihile but when I was googling the problem, there were many, many issues with Toyota's Climate Control. The biggest to me, was Toyota's seemingly total lack of concern about the problem and their inability to diagnose and repair it. In this case the dealer was the good guy. They really tried to diagnose the problem. Called in experts and everything. Gave us a loaner for three days while they tried to get a handle on it. Left with option to replace entire unit, we desided to wait until it fails altogether, maybe never.

tr7driver · 08-04-2008, 09:10 AM

Thanks for the information. I think I'm in the same boat. Its just odd to be running the AC at 82 degrees, but it seems fine at that temp. Im guessing the temp control is not calibrated correctly, but it will be easier to adjust my thinking than the car's hardware. The climate control in my 01 highlander is spot on, so maybe I set my expecations too high when i bought the Av.

dwreed3rd · 08-04-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tr7driver

Thanks for the information. I think I'm in the same boat. Its just odd to be running the AC at 82 degrees, but it seems fine at that temp. Im guessing the temp control is not calibrated correctly, but it will be easier to adjust my thinking than the car's hardware. The climate control in my 01 highlander is spot on, so maybe I set my expecations too high when i bought the Av.

Just to clarify that our's had the flapping noise from the beginning; but it was intermittent and they were not able to isolate and fix it. Our temp setting was right on also untill about 100K miles. At which time we noticed that we had to use a higher temp setting, this past winter, to maintain the same comfort level that we were used to.