[theowood]

I have a 2013 Avalon Hybrid. The AC is not cooling when idling or stopped. The mechanics recharged the system and it is still having the problem. No sign of leaks. As soon as I leave a stop, the AC begins cooling well.

Any ideas on best troubleshooting steps?

 

[doznI4SE]

Is the cabin air filter clean? Have you tried recirculate vs fresh air intake setting?

 

[theowood]

Is the cabin air filter clean? Have you tried recirculate vs fresh air intake setting?

I replace the filters regularly. I will try the different settings and let you know. What is strange is that as soon as I start moving, the AC works fine and blows cold.

 

[doznI4SE]

Check to see if there's any blockage around the AC condenser (radiator) and that the AC condenser fan is blowing under the hood when the AC is on and you're stopped.

 

[SVTfocusO3]

The amount of refrigerant cars take these days is very precise, proper methods to be performed.

 

[lE5QE0]

Remember too that cooling is reduced if you're in eco mode compared to sport.

 

[doznI4SE]

Remember too that cooling is reduced if you're in eco mode compared to sport.

Does that apply to non-hybrids too?

 

[SVTfocusO3]

Yes

 

[theowood]

The AC is electrical. When the car is parked or at a stoplight, the engine shuts off. I did not hear a fan running when I looked under the hood. Should the condenser fan always be running when the engine is off and car is parked with AC turned on? Engine turns off automatically when parked or stopped for more than a few seconds. This is expected for the hybrid. However, the AC starts getting hot within a minute or so. Maybe a diagram would help. I will try and find one to make sure I am looking at the correct fan

 

[doznI4SE]

The AC is electrical. When the car is parked or at a stoplight, the engine shuts off. I did not hear a fan running when I looked under the hood. Should the condenser fan always be running when the engine is off and car is parked with AC turned on? Engine turns off automatically when parked or stopped for more than a few seconds. This is expected for the hybrid. However, the AC starts getting hot within a minute or so. Maybe a diagram would help. I will try and find one to make sure I am looking at the correct fan

Do you have the controls set to Auto or Manual? I wonder if that's a factor.

What temperature do you have selected?

The under hood fan should only turn on if necessary.

 

[theowood]

Do you have the controls set to Auto or Manual? I wonder if that's a factor.

What temperature do you have selected?

The under hood fan should only turn on if necessary.

I have it set for 68. It is 80 and sunny outside in Florida today. It cools well as soon as I accelerate. When I step on the gas, the engine automatically starts up and it cools quickly. Within a minute or so, at a stoplight, the engine shuts off and the air starts to blow warm. I tried both recirculating mode and non recirculating, same results.

maybe there is something in the service manual that explains how the system should work when the engine stops? I will try and see if I can download a manual somewhere

 

[doznI4SE]

Pay for a two day subscription and download all the files for your car(s) from here:

https://techinfo.toyota.com/

 

[doznI4SE]

Toyota - New Subscription

$25 for two days

 

[king4488]

We purchased a 2014 and it's doing the same. Is there a solution for this problem?

 

[kdpo1990]

Under the hood, when AC is on, you should see two fans running.