I was trying to use the AC the other day and then noticed that it did not turn on. Usually if I'm idle, and I switch on the AC, the engine RPM would change a bit, and I can hear some stuff going on in the car that signals the turning on of the AC. But now, if I press the AC button, the LED lights up, but nothing happens to the AC, so it keeps blowing warm air. This is on an ES300 1992. Before I take it to the shop later, I was hoping if anyone can come up with hypotheses of what might be wrong and if it's simple to fix. I've read elsewhere if the compressor goes out it's 1000-2000 right there. =/

Thanks,
- Eli

 

Possible freon leakage would keep the compressor from engaging as there is a pressure sensor that keeps you from burning up the compressor...

 

Yea exactly. Thats a bummer because youll have to convert to r134 if you havent done so already.

 

Is doing the conversion to r134 very costly?

 

If a shop does it, Yes. If you do it yourself, No

 

yeah, that sucks. i had a leak in mine, and refused to believe so, so i kept on trying the ac, but the switch does not allow it to run if too low. and yeah, you will be spending some big bucks.

1. convert(not necessary, but r12 is darn expensive)
2. fix/repair
3. new ac receiver/dryer
4. evacuate and refill as necessary

goodluck
i went through a similar process, but not so much a hassle with r12
but on a side note, if youre in hot enough weather. you may want to repair and still use r12. although costly, much more efficient than r134

Charley

 

Hi, thank you for the replies. My uncle (previous owner) told me that he never refilled the freon when he drove it, so it has been around 15 years and the freon has not been refilled. He also thought that the refridgerant level is too low. I'm not too inclined to convert the entire unit to a new refrigerant, and am not sure if it will be the best use of money at the moment. I'm in CA, so weather is sort of hot, hehe. How much would R12 cost, since I believe it has been banned and discontinued due to environmental safety. Thanks!