Hi, I have a 2001 Avalon that has these two problems, 1). When I turn on the AC the engine shakes but when the AC is off it runs ok. 2). The date on the dash will only go up to 2018 when I try to set it, is that a computer problem or did Toyota set it up that way, how can that be corrected. Thanks for your time and years of experience.
Vic
2001 Avalon XLS, Automatic Trans
one question per post please.
Well if it only shakes when you turn the AC on you got a problem the AC compressor is probably starting to wear out and drain the engine too much. That's for the clock yeah some of those have a software problem with that I wouldn't worry about that
I though it might be the AC compressor also so I put a new one on and the problem is still the same. Engine runs rough and shakes only when the AC is on, I also replaced the condenser it looked bad with a lot of missing and broken fins, but the problem still remains. I am sure it has to be something with the AC system I'm just not sure what it could be. It has the right amout of oil and freon so thats not the problem, would take it to the shop but don't have that kind of money to spend on this older car. Guess what though in 2019 I bought a 2019 CX-5 for my wife so she could get to work when the sales guy took us for a test drive he took us a newly paved roads but a feww days later when we took it out for a long drive the CX-5 has so much road noise that you want to park it and walk. In 2020 the battery had to be replace because it was having all kinds of problem not reconizing the key and odd warnings signs on the dash, now its been in the dealership for a month waiting for transmission because it would not shift correctly and one time it would not move at all, ha ha what a mess do you think its to late for the lemon law. Thanks Vic
I though it might be the AC compressor also so I put a new one on and the problem is still the same. Engine runs rough and shakes only when the AC is on, I also replaced the condenser it looked bad with a lot of missing and broken fins, but the problem still remains. I am sure it has to be something with the AC system I'm just not sure what it could be. It has the right amout of oil and freon so thats not the problem, would take it to the shop but don't have that kind of money to spend on this older car. Guess what though in 2019 I bought a 2019 CX-5 for my wife so she could get to work when the sales guy took us for a test drive he took us a newly paved roads but a feww days later when we took it out for a long drive the CX-5 has so much road noise that you want to park it and walk. In 2020 the battery had to be replace because it was having all kinds of problem not reconizing the key and odd warnings signs on the dash, now its been in the dealership for a month waiting for transmission because it would not shift correctly and one time it would not move at all, ha ha what a mess do you think its to late for the lemon law. Thanks Vic
If it's not the AC compressor you probably have an electrical system problem. The compressor clutch puts a pretty heavy load on the electrical system and will show up weaknesses that otherwise you might not see. Load test the battery and alternator. It may also be instructive to analyze live data recorded when the problem occurs.
You'll have to just live with the date problem. Apparently whoever programmed the clock did not expect the car to last more than 17 years.
