[grandpapa]

97 LE with 180K miles
It was so hot for the last few days. Went test driving a new Sienna, Verza notice icy cold AC. Going back to my Camry. Not to cold.

Wonder if I can make the AC colder. Is it possible that I just need some freon? I see little can of freon from auto part store, Wal-Mart.... and wonder is it what I need?

How difficult is it to do a DIY
thanks

 

[Chris Crash]

Get one of the cans that has a gauge, and hook the gauge to the car first just to see if you're low. THEN add some freon.

 

[BamZipPow]

97 LE with 180K miles
It was so hot for the last few days. Went test driving a new Sienna, Verza notice icy cold AC. Going back to my Camry. Not to cold.

Wonder if I can make the AC colder. Is it possible that I just need some freon? I see little can of freon from auto part store, Wal-Mart.... and wonder is it what I need?

How difficult is it to do a DIY
thanks

The refrigerant in the system has to be a specific amount. Too much and you can kill the system/compressor. Too little and you don't git enough cooling. Best thing to do is have an AC tech look at the system.

You could have clogged/dirty fins on the condenser (coils in the front of the car) or clogged fins on the evaporator (coils on the inside of the car). You can pull the blower motor down and use a point and shoot digital camera to git a good peek at it. I would suggest using micro adapters on a shop vac to suck out any debris off the coils/housing. You might want to make sure the drain isn't clogged either.

 

[BamZipPow]

Get one of the cans that has a gauge, and hook the gauge to the car first just to see if you're low. THEN add some freon.

Those cans are notorious fer not being anywhere close to accurately measuring the pressures in yer system.

 

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

I suggest having someone take a look at it for you. The AC system is a closed unit and unless there is a leak, shouldn't ever need recharging. Both the new cars and your 97 take the same R134 refrigerant. There are many parts to the system and my question woudl be is it blowing cold or not blowing cold.

I agree with a couple of people on here, do not try to charge the system yourself. If you don't have a problem, you will, and if you do have a problem, you'll make it worse.

I am not doubting your skill level, but the statement is correct, to much causes the compressor to fail, to little and you don't get the right cooling. the gauges that a tech uses are expensive, and that is for a reason, in order to be accurate. In all, the money you think you'll save will cost you later.

I am all for people doing things themselfs and saving money, this is not one of them.

 

[Chris Crash]

I would listen to these guys haha. I never knew this stuff. I'll never try to charge a system myself again :thumbsup:

 

[carsrus]

Yeah easiest and best thing would be to shell out the 65$ or so for a evac and recharge. Make sure they evacuate the system and not just top it off. When they pull a vacuum they'll be able to tell you if there's a leak.

AC systems do in fact seep mini amounts of gas through the gaskets. After 13-14 years it adds up, so if the AC just isn't as cool its possible its a tad bit low.

 

[97ToyCar]

+1 for having an AC or repair shop do this for you. If you have to ask how to do it, DON'T. I have seen way to many people hurt themselves, or damage equipment trying to save themselves the labor cost by DIY on the AC. We're not stating that the OP is stupid or incompetent. It's just not worth freezing a hand, or worse yet, an eye, or blowing the compressor, or a refrigerant line. R134A or R12 instantly freezes anything it comes in contact with, including you.

I used to work for a chain auto parts store, which will remain nameless. I got fired one summer because people that came in had no clue how to service the system, much less find the low pressure port. I refused to sell refrigerant to these people. I didn't want to see them hurt themselves or others. Whatever you end up doing, don't even DREAM of charging through the high side of the system. You'll wish you hadn't.

 

[grandpapa]

thanks for all the good info.

THE AC is cold (I think it is ok), just not COLD compare to the newer cars.
I will NOT try to do it myself since I now know about the Hi/Low pressure lines, amount of charge in the system....

I will leave it to the pro, thanks a lot

 

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

grandpa,
I think that is a very wise thing to do.

I am glad all of us could have been of help.

I do wan't to mention to you for the future, If you ever need anything, information, parts pricing, parts, you have a question about something that your local Dealer told you, etc, don't ever hesitate to get in contact with me.

 

[97ToyCar]

If you want to get a good idea of what the system is putting out, insert a thermometer into the right center vent, and leave it for a bit with the system set for recirculate. A fully charged system should be outputting anywhere from 45-65F.

 

[carpetguy00]

The A/C in my 97 LE is FRIGID! It gets really hot here, was 100 today, factor in humidity, and its miserable. Remember to switch it to recirculate the cabin air, that makes a big difference. I took my camry (and my mother in law's 05 Escape) to the carwash and sprayed engine cleaner on both the condenser and radiator, then rinsed em..... and that also made a nice difference. Just be careful about using the high pressure spray, you can bend the fins easily.....