texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

..ok guys thought I would get some input/thoughts/suggestions on my ac issue.It seems that the compressor has gone out, I haven't been driving it daily,but was noticing that sometime it wasn't cooling as it had been in the past.Took it to my mechanic about a month ago,to check the freon level & it wasn't low. His gauges did show that the low side wasn't sucking properly & he said that the compressor might be going out.Fast forward to today, nothing from the compressor. The car is an 02' with 220k, so I'm not really complaining...lol.....I found a compressor kit that comes with everything I need (discountacparts.com) for $335-$400,depending on which compressor I choose.The evaporator device is located behind the dash,which has to come apart, to remove old one & install the new one ....so this is where I need some input, should I just replace the compressor & hope there is no trash in the system to mess up new compressor OR replace everything as suggested & have piece of mind. I'm planning to check all the fuses & any possible wire connections to the compressor,one day this week,just in case....now I'm open for all thoughts,ideas,suggestions,etc.....I'm going to step out for a couple of hours,but will respond to any questions a little later tonight...... thanks in advance to all help

rudyH

I've never even heard of automatically changing the evaporator unless it was leaking. A proper shop will evacuate the system, install the compressor and recharge. I have heard of changing the receiver/dryer and I personally have had that done in the past.

FlopTop04

+1 with rudyH
If the system is holding a charge, you should be OK with just replacing the compressor. Sometimes the desiccant bag breaks open and causes problems but it's pretty easy to check. Might as well have them replace the desiccant bag ( and add compressor oil ) when they replace the compressor.

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

...I said the evaporator,but I meant to say the expansion valve,which is located behind the dash also...lol .Either way, you think I should be ok just getting the new compressor & changing out the receiver/dryer ?

theazz

Just had my compressor and dryer replaced last week on my 03 SC. Yes the labor for the dryer is about the same as the labor for the compressor but everyone I talked to said to be safe that needed to be replaced also. Bought the parts from Amazon a Toyota dealer installed. Total about $900
Theazz

swfla

iTrader: (1)

With the car's age and mileage, I'd replace it. You'll never be tempted to sell the car because the ac went out again. How easy to sell a car with no AC in TX.

rudyH

Well you never know what you're going to run into but that's all I would change if it were my car.

LexBrett

Is your ac button blinking? If so, that means that the sensor connector plug for the compressor is not plugged in.., that's what happened to me when I changed my valve covers thought ac was not working but it was just a plug..

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

...so did they change your expansion valve? Thats the one item thats going to be a b*&^%, to get to.I can manage the compressor & dryer, because they are both under the hood.It's just that dang expansion valve thats behind the dash

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

...no blinking light, just hot air !!!

Harold57

If the oil in the lines is clean (of metal filings & pieces), there shouldn't be any junk in the lines to mess up the expansion valve.

LexBrett

Man that really sucks sorry. I assume you checked simple things like fuses, whether or not the system needs charging etc., and verifying compressor is not spinning

theazz

They said the expansion valve was good . But they said the dryer was behind the dash

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

...no it's under the hood,close to the front of the car

dag8882

any update to the situation?
hope it all works out.
good luck,