Is this a normal A/C problem? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

89_3SFE · 05-25-2006, 11:41 AM

I think I've got a leak in my A/C system because I have to recharge it every summer, but if there is no refrigerant left, will the A/C just not turn on at all? I've got an 89 Celica GT and when I push the A/C button, nothing happens. I got my timing belt and water pump replaced so could that have messed with my A/C or could there be a plug they forgot to plug in when they did my timing belt and water pump?

mazdaverx7 · 05-25-2006, 12:49 PM

it could be a burnt out bulb on the button. if not, there is an a/c switch that will turn the light on when the a/c in engaged.

Colin Mitchell · 05-25-2006, 01:31 PM

if you have the fan running and the temperature in the "cool"position, then push the a/c button, if your rpms drop then your bulb is burnt out, if nothing proceeds to happen go see your mechanic.

Cusser · 05-25-2006, 02:11 PM

Yes, it's possible that they forgot to re-connect the compressor or other wire. but it sounds like you have a leak that needs to be repaired as your biggest issue.

Pineapple · 05-25-2006, 04:14 PM

A/C won't run when there is no feon pressure, ie leaked. Get the shop to check and fix the leak before refill.

repo94 · 05-25-2006, 06:59 PM

pineapple is 100% correct! If theres no freon or it's really low it won't engage the compressor. My cars do the same thing. I just go up to the store and get a couple cans and i'am good to go for the summer.

stepho · 05-25-2006, 11:15 PM

Follow the freon lines and eventually you will see a little window.
If you can see green inside that window then you have freon (they always put green dye in the freon just for this purpose).
If the window looks black then all the freon has escaped.

There is a sensor that can tell if the freon pressure is enough.
The compressor will not start if pressure is low, the sensor is broken or the wire to the sensor is broken.
Also, the compressor will not start if the wire to the compressor is broken (black with white stripe on most older Toyotas).

- Stepho

89_3SFE · 05-26-2006, 05:55 PM

Is there anyway they pulled the wire off while they were working on my water pump and timing belt, or is there no way they needed to pull any wire to the a/c compressor off?

alltracman78 · 05-26-2006, 09:42 PM

If pressure is too low OR too high the ac will not work.
If you have a leak, go and get it fixed instead of just recharging it every summer. If the gas can leak out, moisture, dust and whatnot can leak in.
For the timing belt, they should not have disconnected the pressure switch, but they would have disconnected the compressor.
Look under your alternator. The next pulley down is your ac compressor [ignore the tensioner pulley]. Look for a connector on the side of the compressor, facing the radiator. See if it's connected.

89_3SFE · 05-29-2006, 08:26 PM

Alright, I've got an update for this post. I got the A/C "fixed" on my own. It turns out it was just low pressure so when I recharged it with some refrigerant it started right up and runs nice and cold now. I don't mind having to pump a couple cans a summer to keep it running because I don't really have the money to put into this 1989 Celica. If it was newer I'd spend the money.

PhantomS · 05-30-2006, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89_3SFE

Alright, I've got an update for this post. I got the A/C "fixed" on my own. It turns out it was just low pressure so when I recharged it with some refrigerant it started right up and runs nice and cold now. I don't mind having to pump a couple cans a summer to keep it running because I don't really have the money to put into this 1989 Celica. If it was newer I'd spend the money.

So it's OK with you to just pollute this world with your leaking refrigerant (I don't care if it's the old "freon" or the newer "safer" stuff.....it's pollution, plain and simple).....man up and either fix the leak or be real manly and drive without - did it for years with my old Tercel....builds character

89_3SFE · 05-30-2006, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomS

So it's OK with you to just pollute this world with your leaking refrigerant (I don't care if it's the old "freon" or the newer "safer" stuff.....it's pollution, plain and simple).....man up and either fix the leak or be real manly and drive without - did it for years with my old Tercel....builds character

Gimme a break man. Go get a life and keep hugging that tree you so dearly love!! I also wanted to add that I wish they'd go back to the freon r-12 stuff. It ran better, colder, and didn't leak half as bad as the newer stuff does!!! Oh, also, yes I'm OK with what you call "polluting"