On-Vehicle Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota Tundra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect refrigerant volume.
1. Observe the sight glass on the liquid tube.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Sight Glass
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Test conditions:
  - Running engine at 1,500 rpm
  - Blower speed control switch at "HI" position
  - A/C switch ON
  - Temperature control dial at "COOL" position
  - Fully open the doors
Inspect refrigerant pressure with manifold gauge set.
1. This is a method in which the trouble is located by using a manifold gauge set. Read the manifold gauge pressure when the these conditions are established.
  Test conditions:
  - Temperature at the air inlet with the switch set at RECIRC is 30 - 35° C (86 - 95° F)
  - Engine running at 1500 rpm
  - Blower speed control switch at "HI" position
  - Temperature control dial at "COOL" position
    NOTE: It should be noted that the gauge indications may vary slightly due to ambient temperature conditions.
1. Normally functioning refrigeration system.
  1. Gauge reading:
    Low pressure side: 0.15 - 0.25 MPa (1.5 - 2.5 kgf/cm² )
    
    High pressure side: 1.37 - 1.57 MPa (14 - 16 kgf/cm² )
  Fig 3: Displaying Normal Gauge Readings
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Moisture present in refrigeration system.
  
  Fig 4: Displaying Manifold Gauge Readings
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Fig 5: Displaying Symptom's Cause, Diagnosis & Remedy
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Insufficient cooling.
  
  Fig 6: Displaying Normal Gauge Readings
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Fig 7: Displaying Symptom's Cause, Diagnosis & Remedy
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Poor circulation of refrigerant.
  
  Fig 8: Displaying Normal Gauge Readings
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Fig 9: Displaying Symptom's Cause, Diagnosis & Remedy
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Refrigerant does not circulate.
  
  Fig 10: Displaying Normal Gauge Readings
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Fig 11: Displaying Symptom's Cause, Diagnosis & Remedy
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. Refrigerant overcharged or insufficient cooling of condenser.
  
  Fig 12: Displaying Normal Gauge Readings
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Fig 13: Displaying Symptom's Cause, Diagnosis & Remedy
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
7. Air present in refrigeration system.
  
  Fig 14: Displaying Normal Gauge Readings
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Fig 15: Displaying Symptom's Cause, Diagnosis & Remedy
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. Expansion valve working improperly.
  
  Fig 16: Displaying Normal Gauge Readings
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Fig 17: Displaying Symptom's Cause, Diagnosis & Remedy
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. Defective compression in compressor.
  
  Fig 18: Displaying Normal Gauge Readings
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Fig 19: Displaying Symptom's Cause, Diagnosis & Remedy
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Inspect idle-up speed.
1. Warm up engine.
2. Inspect idle-up speed when the these conditions are established.
  - Warm up engine
  - Blower speed control switch at "HI" position
  - A/C switch ON
  - Temperature control dial at "COOL" position
  If idle speed is not as specified, check Idle control system.
Inspect for leakage of refrigerant.
1. Perform in these conditions:
  - Stop engine.
  - Secure good ventilation (If not, the gas leak detector may react to volatile gases witch are not refrigerant, such as evaporated gasoline and exhaust gas.)
  - Repeat the test 2 or 3 times.
  - Make sure that there is some refrigerant remaining in the refrigeration system.
    When compressor is OFF: approx. 392 - 588 kPa (4-6 kgf/ cm² , 57 - 85 psi)
2. Bring the gas leak detector close to the drain hose before performing the test.
  NOTE:
  - After the blower motor stops, leave the cooling unit for more than 15 minutes.
  - Expose the gas leak detector sensor under the drain hose.
  - When bringing the gas leak detector close to the drain hose, make sure that the gas leak detector does not react to the volatile gases.
    If such reaction is unavoidable, the vehicle must be lifted up.
3. If gas leak is not detected on the drain hose, remove the blower resistor from the cooling unit. Then insert the gas leak detector sensor into the unit and perform the test.
4. Disconnect the connector and leave the pressure switch for approx. 20 minutes. Then bring the gas leak detector close to the pressure switch and perform the test.
5. Bring the gas leak detector close to the refrigerant lines and perform the test.