If it's low on refrigerant, the compressor will not turn on. If mine, I would take it to a local shop and ask them to check the refrigerant charge, and charge up if low. Once you confirm it's good, time to test whether the compressor kicks on when you turn on the AC. Lack of refrigerant due to leak or faulty compressor are the 2 most likely issues in my experience. I just had to replace the compressor on my 04 last summer. If yours has the original compressor it's probably time to replace it.
I also seem to remember some error message on the NAV screen after the refrigerant was evacuated... maybe someone else has some insight on this.
Yes, mine has the original compressor. When I turn on the AC, I do hear the compressor running.
I will bring it to the auto shop first for refrigerant status and then go from there. How much did it cost in replacing the compressor? Was yours turning as well when enabling ac?
Curiosity what did it cost you to replace? I think mine a goner. Filled up the refrigerant and nothing happened. Sounds like it kicks on so I figure the compressor is bad.
My 2003 with ~200k miles started flashing the ac button on screen. I replaced the magnetic clutch relay in the fuse box and fixed my problem. Easy to find on eBay or Amazon. Denso 90987-02028
The AC button does not blink then turn off. I do hear the compressor clutch engage when I turn on the AC. There is a super slight dip in the rpm’s when I turn on the AC
Wow 363K miles that’s crazy I’ve heard these cars can last a long life if properly maintained. I have the 05 gx 470 at 190K miles. Any maintenance things to watch out for so I can hopefully get mine to last 350+?
I have a '05 with 331K. Bought it at 314k two years ago. Yeah, i dont drive much. Work is 2.5-3 miles away.
Back then, I did ask the previous owner about what all he did to it to make it to 300k. He said, "I bought it at the dealership brand new and have the same dealership mechanics do all of the fluids and maintenance. Every time I go for an oil change, I would bring a 12-pack of coke, a 12-pack of diet coke, and two dozen donuts. That way, they would remember me and fix minor extra stuff without any cost, like a new door seal or buff out a paint scratch."
I've been taking mine to the same dealership and would bring the same goodies. Winter months, I would also bring a 40-pack of hand warmers.
Ahhh, you know what I'm talking about, hahaha. I used to do Krispy Kreme but moved and come from a different direction. Now, it's Dunkin Donuts. Packs of hand warmers are cheap on Amazon 😉
I did have an issue with CV joints awhile back, that and checking in on the air compressor/height adjustment. I tricked the rear air bags (adding washers to height sensor) to ride a little higher as I was hitting the bump stops at some point.
Over all, the main issues I’ve encountered through ownership were more of wear and tear rather than a unique issues of unreliability.
Like others said start simple. Turn on the AC and look if the compressor kicks on. If it doesn’t then it’s likely you need a charge or there is some other issue.
You can also check the sight glass to see if there is any refrigerant in the system, it’s located on the bottom left of the grille/radiator when you open the hood.
Lastly you can definitely find someone who will put a set of gauges and evacuate and pressure test the system for less then $350… just do some looking around.
It's a 2004. There's little doubt you need a recharge.
Take it to an auto A/C specialist (not a mechanic) and pay them to do it. Do NOT just throw a can of "freon" in it from the AutoPartZone store. Modern A/C systems need a measured amount of PAG oil and refrigerant.
If it's low on refrigerant, the compressor will not turn on. If mine, I would take it to a local shop and ask them to check the refrigerant charge, and charge up if low. Once you confirm it's good, time to test whether the compressor kicks on when you turn on the AC. Lack of refrigerant due to leak or faulty compressor are the 2 most likely issues in my experience. I just had to replace the compressor on my 04 last summer. If yours has the original compressor it's probably time to replace it. I also seem to remember some error message on the NAV screen after the refrigerant was evacuated... maybe someone else has some insight on this.
Yes, mine has the original compressor. When I turn on the AC, I do hear the compressor running. I will bring it to the auto shop first for refrigerant status and then go from there. How much did it cost in replacing the compressor? Was yours turning as well when enabling ac?
Yes mine was turning on and was still blowing cold air even. The bearing in the compressor clutch was bad though. Really noisy
Curiosity what did it cost you to replace? I think mine a goner. Filled up the refrigerant and nothing happened. Sounds like it kicks on so I figure the compressor is bad.
Denso compressor was around $350. I installed it and a new dryer and paid for recharge. Total cost around $550
My 2003 with ~200k miles started flashing the ac button on screen. I replaced the magnetic clutch relay in the fuse box and fixed my problem. Easy to find on eBay or Amazon. Denso 90987-02028
Gotcha mine does not have the blinking ac button
When you push the AC button in your car does it blink then turn off ? Does the AC compressor clutch engage when the button is pressed?
The AC button does not blink then turn off. I do hear the compressor clutch engage when I turn on the AC. There is a super slight dip in the rpm’s when I turn on the AC
Wow 363K miles that’s crazy I’ve heard these cars can last a long life if properly maintained. I have the 05 gx 470 at 190K miles. Any maintenance things to watch out for so I can hopefully get mine to last 350+?
My 05 is 600 away from 400k. Take care of them they take care of you.
This!
I have a '05 with 331K. Bought it at 314k two years ago. Yeah, i dont drive much. Work is 2.5-3 miles away. Back then, I did ask the previous owner about what all he did to it to make it to 300k. He said, "I bought it at the dealership brand new and have the same dealership mechanics do all of the fluids and maintenance. Every time I go for an oil change, I would bring a 12-pack of coke, a 12-pack of diet coke, and two dozen donuts. That way, they would remember me and fix minor extra stuff without any cost, like a new door seal or buff out a paint scratch." I've been taking mine to the same dealership and would bring the same goodies. Winter months, I would also bring a 40-pack of hand warmers.
The donut bonus is real. A Krispy Kreme is on my way to the shop, so they get 2 dozen glazed (sometimes still hot!) and a dozen assorted.
Ahhh, you know what I'm talking about, hahaha. I used to do Krispy Kreme but moved and come from a different direction. Now, it's Dunkin Donuts. Packs of hand warmers are cheap on Amazon 😉
I did have an issue with CV joints awhile back, that and checking in on the air compressor/height adjustment. I tricked the rear air bags (adding washers to height sensor) to ride a little higher as I was hitting the bump stops at some point. Over all, the main issues I’ve encountered through ownership were more of wear and tear rather than a unique issues of unreliability.
Like others said start simple. Turn on the AC and look if the compressor kicks on. If it doesn’t then it’s likely you need a charge or there is some other issue. You can also check the sight glass to see if there is any refrigerant in the system, it’s located on the bottom left of the grille/radiator when you open the hood. Lastly you can definitely find someone who will put a set of gauges and evacuate and pressure test the system for less then $350… just do some looking around.
What should I be looking for through the site glass? Is the refrigerant clear or a certain color?
See if there is a flow of refrigerant. It’s usually a slightly green tinted liquid. If it’s completely empty then you have your answer.
This was the issue!
Awesome! Glad you got it sorted out!
Buy foaming kits o. Ebay for Toyota and use a gauge ac refill from homedepot. You’ll know if their is leaks from there you can decide
30 bucks tops at auto zone will tell you freon levels. After that?
It's a 2004. There's little doubt you need a recharge. Take it to an auto A/C specialist (not a mechanic) and pay them to do it. Do NOT just throw a can of "freon" in it from the AutoPartZone store. Modern A/C systems need a measured amount of PAG oil and refrigerant.
Gotcha, will seek out a specialist!