Tacoma A/C just average on cooling ability?
#1
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Mobile, Alabama
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tacoma A/C just average on cooling ability?
Just wondering, this is my first summer with the truck and it takes a long time to cool down and still doesnt seem impressive by standards I've seen in other cars with more size and less tint. Just wondering if thats just the way a taco is, dont get me wrong it cools, but it seems like it coulda used more, or maybe I need to get it checked. Its a 2001 xtracab with 52K miles and dark tint.
#3
Contributing Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Carmichael, CA
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is quite possible the a/c system has a problem, unfortunately there really isn't a way to tell until you look at charge level, high and low side pressures, how much air you have in your system, etc. Remember though that heat exchanging is being conducted here and where it occurs is at the condensor. If you are sitting in traffic, don't expect much efficiency until you start moving and get that ram air flowing across the condensor coils.
As a rule, it's a good idea to run your a/c like every two weeks, some say everyweek. Even during winter times, by doing so, you help lubricate seals that otherwise would bust from drying up because no lube has circulated to them. A/C systems take a substantial amount of pressure (high ranges from 180-240 psi) so imagine if a seal is ill lubricated and you go to turn on the a/c system and the presure builds up to that amount. That's how a good amount of leaks develop.
As a rule, it's a good idea to run your a/c like every two weeks, some say everyweek. Even during winter times, by doing so, you help lubricate seals that otherwise would bust from drying up because no lube has circulated to them. A/C systems take a substantial amount of pressure (high ranges from 180-240 psi) so imagine if a seal is ill lubricated and you go to turn on the a/c system and the presure builds up to that amount. That's how a good amount of leaks develop.
Last edited by Mohamed; 07-14-2004 at 02:35 PM.
#4
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Mobile, Alabama
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the tips, I might take it into the toyo dealer and get one of their $40 a/c checkups. Its under the 100000 mile warranty so anything over $50 is on their dime anyways if somethings broken.
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by nags
i'm not impressed by my AC at all
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: N37 39* W122 3*
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
in my 90 4runner's sales brochure, they have a picture of a cup in front cup holder and the caption, "use the a/c to keep your drinks chilled..."
or something to that effect... lol..............
or something to that effect... lol..............
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Indiana, PA
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 98 stunk too. My buddy is a mechanic and cranked up the pressure with more R-134. Probably not the right thing to do but It's awesome now. He's a Ford mechanic so he's used to working on A/C systems!!
#10
Contributing Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Sunny SoCal
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mine sucks too! It got to over 100 degrees today here in SoCal (yeah, lucky it's a dry heat ) and had the AC on high for about 10 minutes and it only stayed cool. Methinks it's time for a recharge; haven't had any maintenance done to the AC since I bought in in 9/98.
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: California
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have a 99 with 49K on it. I notice a huge difference in the A/C from city driving to freeway driving. In the city, it is OK. On the freeway it gets COLD after about 10 minutes.
#14
Contributing Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 8,345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by humanoid
Mine sucks too! It got to over 100 degrees today here in SoCal (yeah, lucky it's a dry heat ) and had the AC on high for about 10 minutes and it only stayed cool. Methinks it's time for a recharge; haven't had any maintenance done to the AC since I bought in in 9/98.
Ditto.
Sad to say but our Fords at work come out ICE cold! *brrrr*
I don't like using my recirc button - I find that the mildewy smell is more likely to occur when I use A/C with that. Even if I shut it off and try to let the condensation dry out a few miles before I get where I'm going.
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My next door neighbor has a Tacoma double cab and he said the same thing- A/C is not that great. They have a Ford Focus and it is much better in that department.
I notice my A/C is colder when I accelerate than when I am sitting at idle... I think it all has to do with the ozone friendly refridgerants?
I notice my A/C is colder when I accelerate than when I am sitting at idle... I think it all has to do with the ozone friendly refridgerants?
#16
Contributing Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Carmichael, CA
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by FirstToy
I notice my A/C is colder when I accelerate than when I am sitting at idle... I think it all has to do with the ozone friendly refridgerants?
Remember though that heat exchanging is being conducted here and where it occurs is at the condensor. If you are sitting in traffic, don't expect much efficiency until you start moving and get that ram air flowing across the condensor coils.
GM, some Chrysler-Dalmer, and some Fords instead use an OT or orifice tube to cause restriction, in that case an accumulator is used instead of a reciever-dryer...both designed to remove air and moisture through means of a dessicant, the accumulator has the advantage of it's name and that is to accumulate excess refrigerant, flooding the evaporator is not efficient, nor good for the compressor either.
#18
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Cuyamaca CA and N. Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by ElwayLite
Just wondering, this is my first summer with the truck and it takes a long time to cool down and still doesnt seem impressive by standards I've seen in other cars with more size and less tint. Just wondering if thats just the way a taco is, dont get me wrong it cools, but it seems like it coulda used more, or maybe I need to get it checked. Its a 2001 xtracab with 52K miles and dark tint.
#19
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Mobile, Alabama
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SlimTacoma
I have a 99 with 49K on it. I notice a huge difference in the A/C from city driving to freeway driving. In the city, it is OK. On the freeway it gets COLD after about 10 minutes.