Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    cesar44's Avatar
    cesar44 Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jul 17, 2010, 12:14 PM
    a/c not cooling
    I have a 2002 Toyota Echo. The air from the a/c is not cool. I took it to have it check out by an A/C mechanic. First, I was tol that it had too much freon. (The low side gauge indicated over 70 psi). The excess freon was removed and it seemed that the a/c started to work "ok."
    But the mechanic recommended to removed all the old freon completely and recharge the system with the right amount, so he did. He also mention that the compressor may have some damage because of the previous overfill.
    Now, the compressor is working when turned on, but again the air is not cool. Now I was told to replace the compressor and also the expansion valve which may be stuck. Total cost: $1500
    My question before spending the money, does it seem right what I was told or it can be something else not that expensive? If it is what I was told, $1500 seems like a reasonable price or its too inflated?
    I will appreciate the help of an expert. Thank you.
    kitch428's Avatar
    kitch428 Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 152
    Ultra Member
     
    #2

    Jul 17, 2010, 12:29 PM

    First: Agree that the system should be completely evacuated and recharged to the proper amount.
    If after that, the pressure gauge goes negatively low on the low pressure side, then that would indicate a stuck expansion valve.
    If the needles vibrate on both the gauges, then that would indicate a faulty compressor.
    I would like to hear you went for a second opinion for this. Cost can add up quickly for wrongful ac diagnosis.
    If you trust this guy, then do the expansion valve and receiver drier first and hold off on the most expensive part. It's not a very difficult job on a Echo. Tell him to also check the heater control valve to make sure it's fully off on max cold position.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
     
    #3

    Jul 17, 2010, 12:30 PM

    Here are several links that you may find informative and provide background information:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1864159

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1722090

    Compressors often need to be replaced every 100,000 miles. On your car, I would replace the compressor, TXV, and dryer, if you feel you're a candidate. I'd recommend that you take it to Toyota.

    If you need a new compressor, have them use BG Universal Frigi-Quiet Refrigerant Oil (Part No. 7018). Very good stuff.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Central a/c unit -not cooling service man filled it with feon but still not cooling [ 7 Answers ]

I have a kenmore 3 ton 14 series unit. At night it cools good but day time it goes to 80 degrees. The compressor had a leak so the service man filled it up. Wasn't the service man suppose to change the dryer on it? The hose outside is not even cold and in the house it blows a little cool air but...

Maytag freezer is cooling... fridge is not cooling. Any suggestions? [ 0 Answers ]

Maytag refridge is not cooling (freezer is). Any suggestions or does anyone know if I need a repair person and what the problems and range of expected reasonable costs might be to have it fixed.

Mobile home cooling unit not cooling [ 1 Answers ]

We recently purchased a couple of mobile homes for rental properties. When we hade them inspected they said everything was in working order. When we moved in a tenet the first thing they complained about was that the a/c was not cooling during the day, but at night it was fine. We sent out a...

AC cooling less and less [ 1 Answers ]

I have a 15 yr. old residential Trane unit . Last year it was cooling OK. We did not use it as much over the winter time (Florida) .Summer picks up now and we notice that the AC is running forever and not cooling as much as it did last year. Coils are clean and so is the filter also I cleaned the...

Ac not cooling [ 9 Answers ]

My wife works in a building where the air conditioner is not cooling. Last year, several serivce people came out and tinkered with it. The unit is upstairs in an attic which isn't cooled. It leaks down into the bottom floor and runs constatnly. It never reaches the temp set at the thermostat. ...


View more questions Search