- 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE FWD 124k Auto No codes.
Facebook Toyota group suggested I come here.
So the A/C in my 2011 XLE suddenly blows ambient temperature air while I’m driving around town. Get home and try amateur things to see if I can get it going again. Nothing. So I found a repair place that could get me in for a quick diagnostic couple days later.
Started the van next day and the a/c worked again but then died about an hour later. No compressor issues, it’s spinning fine but doesn’t engage. When/while it works it blows cold. Shop says somethings still wrong, bring it on in. Seems my entire engine back a/c tubing setup needs replacing. A pressure issue. Common issue they say. (Happened on my old Caravan too dammit). The front a/c won’t work unless it’s fixed, etc.
Looking at the estimate I now wish it was just the compressor. I’m really clueless. They marked up the 3 main parts by $150 per the Toyota oem site. Getting into a shop anytime soon around here is pretty difficult. The part prices seem painful. The labor I have zero idea. A/C is a luxury but necessary too. Any thoughts before I sell my soul? 🤷🏻♀️
Estimate linked…
I’ve had an intermittent AC not blowing cold & then finally always not blowing cold due to the AC clutch going out.
Can you hear the AC compressor clutch kick in? It’s like a ‘tick’ sound. Or open the hood while the AC is turned off. Then ask someone to turn on the AC while you stand beside the AC compressor & listen out for the sound. It should kick in/out every few seconds while the compressor turns on/off to satisfy the cooling demand.
If you are hearing the AC clutch kick in & out, then as @yaser mentioned, find another honest independent shop & ask them for a second opinion.
If you want to save money on A/C parts your best bet would be to try and find used parts.
Figured I’d follow up…
I went to the Toyota dealership to figure out what’s happening and they concurred with AAA. After a fluoro scan of the system the back A/C lines are leaking. Couple hundred less $ than AAA to fix. It should be ready tomorrow. Thanks to all for advice.
Most likely the evaporator is gets frozen and can not do its job. I would take the car to an independent shop.
