NGC Car air conditioning question '99 Camry NGC

[fotoguzzi]

got new (old) Camry LE V6 135k (non interference motor), one of the good ones built in Japan.. the A/C is cool but not cold.. cooler than outside air for sure but not ice cold.. WILL A RECHARGE MAKE IT SO?

it's a really clean machine (1999) no oil drips or grease on the motor..
I had to have the flex pipe replaced but found a great welder to do that..

this car has an alarm installed at the port of entry, what's that all about? it's aggravating but sounds impossible to remove. and a new key fob is $90.. we have one fob that's cracked and seen better days.. other models have replacement housings on ebay cheap but not this one, ideas?
Wife likes it so the Tribute will be mine I guess..

[RinkRat II]

 Walmart sells the all in one 134A freon/charging hose/coupler assy. Probably just needs topping off. Black Car, non tinted windows,sunny day, will take 8 to 10 miles to chill your beer    Check all the compressor connections,hoses etc for areas that could have weeped a little freon but for a99 probably no big deal.

    Paul

[cruzziguzzi]

I've used the auto parts recharge units with the accompanying gages to great success. Just be certain to carefully follow the instructions as to bottle orientation while the trigger is depressed. Not paying attention can pump a bunch of propellant and little refrigerant into your system. You'll know this is the case when your compressor continually cycles on and off in rapid order.


Or so I read.

Todd.

[Triple Jim]

The car's repair manual should have the procedure for checking and charging the system.  It's the last word on how to do it correctly.

[old head]

go to autozone and rent their gauges.  You don't want to overcharge the system.
If it is low on 134, the low pressure sensor should be cycling the compressor off and on due to low pressure.  If the compressor isn't cycling off and on, then it could be stuck expansion valve.
could be a bad clutch on the compressor also.

if the pressure is low, use a paper clip to jump the low pressure switch to see. if the compressor stays on.   add 134 slowly, 134 isn't as efficent as 12 and doesnt' cool near as good or as fast, and works at a much higher pressure.   

I would guess it is just low, but you never know.  when adding refrigerant have the can upright, you want to add with vapor, upside down is liquid, not a good idea to add liquid.  if you start to add refrigerant and the can seems to be freezing up, set the can in some warm water to help the can warm up to convert the remaining liquid to vapor.

you are working with some high pressures so be very careful.  check the drain tube to be sure the drain is clear, it is somewhere on the firewall near the inlet/outlet AC lines to drain condensate.

Old Head

[Penderic]

Yes! I have done it on my truck and two other vehicles with a cheap 49 dollar kit (gauge, hose and valve, one small can of coolant with sealant/lubricant and one can of coolant top up without the sealant) Works great!



And it will be actually cooler than originally because the cheap replacement coolant is better at cooling! Only downside is ... it is flammable! It is based on butane or propane I believe, which will blend with the previous coolant in the system. You are given a warning sticker to place near the fill port to warn future servicemen.

I am not worried about the flammability of the 8 - 10 oz. of replacement coolant- the stock coolant will also kill you quickly in a fire too.

How to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6pHB3hE-ms
(video mostly correct - you really don't have to evacuate the old coolant)

[LaMojo]

go to autozone and rent their gauges.  You don't want to overcharge the system.
If it is low on 134, the low pressure sensor should be cycling the compressor off and on due to low pressure.  If the compressor isn't cycling off and on, then it could be stuck expansion valve.
could be a bad clutch on the compressor also.

if the pressure is low, use a paper clip to jump the low pressure switch to see. if the compressor stays on.   add 134 slowly, 134 isn't as efficent as 12 and doesnt' cool near as good or as fast, and works at a much higher pressure.   

I would guess it is just low, but you never know.  when adding refrigerant have the can upright, you want to add with vapor, upside down is liquid, not a good idea to add liquid.  if you start to add refrigerant and the can seems to be freezing up, set the can in some warm water to help the can warm up to convert the remaining liquid to vapor.

you are working with some high pressures so be very careful.  check the drain tube to be sure the drain is clear, it is somewhere on the firewall near the inlet/outlet AC lines to drain condensate.

Old Head

 :1:

[ibis1]

foto,  BEFORE you add any refrigerant make sure your electric fan is operating correctly. You can have the correct charge in the system, but if the fan is not pulling air through your condenser it will not cool well and by adding refrigerant you will only compound the issue. Since you just bought the vehicle, don't assume anything works correctly. Good luck.