Just got a new Used 2005 (Manual) Echo HB and my dad and I have begun a project to install an A/C system on it for the summer. We've just found the condenser at a local auto recycler and now have to find the compressor and external rad. Wish me luck as I start posting pictures and tech diagrams from the FSM. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Whew!
We've just completed the first phase by researching the fsm and making sure the engine harness had the plugs all there for the AC thermistor, AC amplifier and button pre installed with the car. Thankfully they were there! So yesterday we took out the steering wheel with a removal kit rented from Canadian Tire and associated trim and dashboard. Driver side airbag (horn piece of steering wheel) was a pain to remove cuz you needed a small poker to unlock it and allow it's removal from the wire. We managed to remove the blower box which includes a cutout for the evaporator...without having to remove the structural support bar that run from one side of the car to the other! The wiring and associated snap-on clips were a pain (literally to the fingers) as they hindered the removal of the blower box. The evaporator cut-out had a dummy sitting inside which needed to be removed in addition to cutting out some of the plastic cut-ins which were left there. After the evaportaor was put it...we had to reassemble everything. Minor hiccup when a cannonplug didn't plug-in comletely on the glove box side leading to a non-start of the engine.
Today we start on the compressor, condenser and other stuff in the engine compartment before doin a leak check and filling freon. All the parts except the condenser we scrounged from local auto recyclers (junk yard) for reasonable prices. So far I think I've spent around $350.
So after starting at around three and ending at around 10:30 at night we (Dad, our friend and I) finished up the project and tested the system to ensure everything worked all right. Problems encountered included a sheared nut that connected the evaporator inside the cabin to the part exposed in the engine bay (can't remember the name at the moment). Also rust build up in the bolt holes left open for the compressor and high pressure line holder required cleaning and lots of WD40. Also, to save a few bucks we repaired the broken high and low pressure lines with some identically sized copper tubing our friend had on hand which was attached with compression fitting. Also the fact that the condensor fan resistor was not installed and needed to be mounted to the underbody took some doin. However, as mentioned before, all the electrical connectors were there already. We almost forgot to get a new drive belt since the added compressor needed to be included and the original size would be too small. Once all the connectors were put in and line vacuumed with oil added along with freon everything worked without a hitch! I'll upload the pictures soon.
Actually the dealer I got it from was nice enough to include it when we purchased it. The other Echo we have didn't have it installed when we purchased it
I have a 4 door 2004 echo, and I want to install the a/c that I did not buy when i bought the car (I was too poor at the time). Now we have just had a baby girl last week (10 mar) and i know she will want ac!
I am in Calgary, I will PM you, and hopefully we can connect. Do you have a parts list? or a manual where you got all the parts required to do the ac install?
Good work on the photos, there are so many photos I will use all of them.
You'll need to download the FSM (factory service manual) which can be found via quick search on google. Most likely it will be in a compressed form either winzip or .rar. The one I used was for the 2002 model year...which works fine cuz the car hasn't changed all that much up to 2005. It will list the parts required for the project. Once you've gathered the parts the only hard part remaining is to remove the trimming and dash inside the car. A spreader (ie. putty knife) covered with masking tape is a definite must to keep the plastic intact without scratches...The a/c condenser that sits infront of the radiator is probably the hardest to find at a salvage yard cuz most times they're damaged in frontal collisions. I had to buy a new one...
So good luck...have fun getting to know your car...!!!
***Don't be intimidated, have plenty of patience and follow the manual***
Make sure to disconnect the battery when working on the interior panels to remove them and the steering wheel to prevent airbags from accidental discharge eh ...
Just a word of caution, copper tubing that you get needs to be made of a fatigue resistant copper alloy, unless there is vibration absorbing rubber lines on the other side of the fitting.
Then you should paint on some varnish or lacquer so stress cracks can be easily spotted. Salt in use during winter is a pain.
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2004 RX330 Sport
2003 Cam I4 XLE
2000 Cam XLE Gold Edition V6
1998 CamCE I4 Super Commuter!
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A/C Install Project
Just got a new Used 2005 (Manual) Echo HB and my dad and I have begun a project to install an A/C system on it for the summer. We've just found the condenser at a local auto recycler and now have to find the compressor and external rad. Wish me luck as I start posting pictures and tech diagrams from the FSM. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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