smackay

The A/C on my '92 4runner ( 22re, 5-speed manual ) stopped working. The green light comes on in the button when pushed in, but the compressor doesn't engage. I've checked the circuit breaker and the fuse behind the glove box and both are intact. Does any one have any ideas about what I can do? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

SigEp4Runner

So searching around I found this post, I'm having the same problem except my A/c never worked since I bought it. The light comes on, but the air is still warm. When I had it in at the dealership they told me it was "unplugged" whatever that means. I asked if they could "plug it back in" and they wanted around $200 to do it!! So I've been driving around for about two years without A/C and decided to start looking into fixing it myself.

Any Ideas????????

cdextreme

With the key out of the ignition, grab the center of the a/c compressor. You should be able to move it. if you can't you have a seized compressor.
If you have a low/high charge there are switches that prevent the system from running and damaging parts.

SigEp4Runner

ok so I checked that and it moved just fine. Is there any plugs I can check that the dealership would say were unplugged? I have seen while searching that if there is a high/low charge the light doesn't turn on on the A/C button, is this true? I was thinking about buying a charge kit, but my light still turns on. I was looking at a charge kit on ebay called Enviro-safe that is compatible with R12 systems and the oils mix without causing the harm that the 134 conversion kits will do. I found another post about the kit while i was searching this problem.

RICE ETR

I just charged my A/C and my light would come on but the compressor wouldn't kick-in until I had about 3/4 of a 12oz can of 134a in it. Blowing cold now...41 degrees F at idle :-) We'll see how long it lasts.

SigEp4Runner

thats good to hear RICE ETR, I was worried mine might be something worse. Did you do the R134? Im wondering what type I should use to recharge mine.

RICE ETR

Yea r12 is crazy expensive so I used 134a. I did it the absolute wrong way (don't recommend it) but have done it before and gotten away with it...I figure for $38 it was worth a shot, even if it only lasts thru the summer. New o-rings, a 16oz can of 134a with oil and leak stop plus another 12oz can of 134a. , I didn't get the old oil out, change the orfice or vacuum the system down, just charged it with the engine running on high on until the pressure was appropriate.

SigEp4Runner

yeah im thinking the same thing, there have been plenty of people saying they havnt had problems with the 134 in theres, but Im also thinking about the stuff I said up top. The kit comes with 3 cans of recharge, 1 can of dye, pressure guage, hoses, can of stop leak, can of new oil and a hand held thermometer for $60 shipped. i figure I might as well go that route for all it comes with if it says it wont harm the R12 systems. Thanks for the help, im hoping mine just needs a recharge.

SigEp4Runner

OK so I bought a kit from autozone, but i have some questions. First of all where is the high and low service valves? I think i see them on the left side near the firewall, but I want to be sure because i dont think the retrofit valves will fit. Also where do i need to replace the o-rings at?

smallenginemechanic

Low side is larger tube.

Korey

For years I tried to get mine fixed. Nobody could figure out what it was cuz the green light would come on but the compressor wouldn't engage. I found a disconnected wire near the battery on the passenger wheel well, found the other end of it and reconnected it.

If the dealer said it was unplugged and wanted $200, they were probably trying to get you to pay for their time looking for the disconnected wire.