Checking refrigerant charge

Do not remove the need for regular maintenance.

is simply a low system refrigerant charge. If a noticeable drop in cool air output occurs, the following quick check will help you determine if the refrigerant level is low.

6 Warm the engine up to normal operating temperature.

7 Place the air conditioning temperature selector at the coldest setting and put the blower at the highest setting. Open the doors

(to make sure the air conditioning system doesn't cycle off as soon as it cools the passenger compartment).

8 With the compressor engaged - the clutch will make an audible click and the centre of the clutch will rotate. After the system reaches operating temperature, feel the two pipes connected to the evaporator at the bulkhead

(see illustration 12.13).

9 The pipe leading from the condenser outlet to the evaporator (small tubing) should be cold, and the evaporator outlet line (the larger tubing that leads back to the compressor) should be slightly colder. If the evaporator outlet is considerably warmer than the inlet, the system needs a charge. If the air isn't as

cold as it used to be, the system probably needs a charge. Further inspection or testing of the system is beyond the scope of the home mechanic and should be left to a professional.

10 Inspect the sight glass. If the refrigerant looks foamy when running, it's low (see illustration). When ambient temperatures arevery hot, bubbles may show in the sight glass even with the proper amount of refrigerant. With the proper amount of refrigerant, when the air conditioning is turned off, the sight glass should show refrigerant that foams, then clears.

11 If the previous checks indicate that the refrigerant charge is low, take the vehicle to a Toyota dealer or automotive air conditioning repair facility to have the system recharged

(see Tool tip).

Дата добавления: 2014-12-23