Hey Scotty! I have a 2002 Camry with a 2.4L engine (223k miles), and I'm having trouble locating the A/C problem. As you know, it is summertime in South Florida, and a normal day here is 90-95 degrees, so A/C systems are a must here.
My Camry blows as cold as it's supposed to be, but only when driving. I can literally be sitting there idling for 30 minutes and the A/C would not blow as cold as it's supposed to. As soon as I start driving, a few minutes in, it would get extremely cold where it's supposed to be.
I've attached some pictures indicating the mileage, the A/C temp coming from the vents, and the refriegerant level I could get from the low-pressure side, but I just can't seem to find the problem, I even hosed down the condenser with water to get all the bugs out, but still have the same issue.
Pictures: https://postimg.cc/gallery/TWCxVhs
Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!
David De Jesus
Make sure your radiator and condenser fans (if so equipped) are working when the AC is turned on.
Although it is certainly likely that some refrigerant has leaked out after 23 years that low-side gauge saying "FILLED" is nonsense and is useless for diagnostic purposes. Looks like it's one of those so-called "recharge" cans.Those products are to be avoided, worse than useless since most contain contaminants that can further damage your AC system.
You need a manifold gauge set and a temperature vs. pressure chart to see what your AC is doing.
@chucktobias Wow! Thankfully, I haven't touched the refrigerant in my system other than attaching that little gauge on the low side to see the level. What do you think can be the problem, and what would be your recommendation to fix this issue? By the way, the cooling fans are working both when the A/C is turned on/off.
Thanks!
Thankfully, I haven't touched the refrigerant in my system other than attaching that little gauge on the low side to see the level.
Those "recharge" cans are just another in a long line of snake-oil "mechanic in a can" automotive products.
What do you think can be the problem, and what would be your recommendation to fix this issue?
Given how old that car is there could be any number of problems. Keeping the AC working on an old car can be challenging. Another thing to check, when the AC stops blowing cold does the compressor clutch remain engaged? Is it rapidly cycling on and off?
It's also possible that your temperature blend door in the dashboard is malfunctioning. If not readily visible a professional grade scan tool would be needed for diagnosis. There could be other issues like a bad sensor. Bear in mind that even in a car that old the AC is computer controlled. You can find a repair manual for your car at the link below which may help:
https://charm.li/Toyota/2002/Camry%20Solara%20SE%20L4-2.4L%20%282AZ-FE%29/
However with computer-controlled AC systems only the most basic things are accessible to the typical DIY owner when it comes to diagnosis and repair.
You could get yourself a manifold gauge set to check high and low system pressures and refer to a pressure chart or youtube videos showing how to do pressure diagnosis to see if that reveals any issues. No need to spend a fortune, there are gauges suitable for occasional home use available for $50 or less. It's even possible a parts store like AutoZone might loan you a set of gauges.
However, if you are not familiar with working on air conditioning and the problem is not a simple electrical issue it would be best to take the car to a professional to have the AC serviced. The only way to know you have the correct amount of refrigerant is to evacuate the system and charge in the correct amount by weight. (The pros have equipment to do this easily and quickly and can also check for leaks and diagnose other problems.) It is very easy to make things worse or even injure yourself.
Always wear eye protection when working with refrigerant, even just hooking up gauges. You don't want that stuff spraying into your eyes if something goes wrong.