Toyota Camry AC Questions

s15as15a Member Posts: 14
in Toyota
I've had this problem for at least 1 year on my 2001 Camry with 30K miles on it now. I'm getting literally tired & sick of it. My 1990 Camry with 130K miles does NOT have this problem. It smells fine, even though its over 10 years older.

In the 2001 camry, the smell goes away, once I let the air run for a while(without recirculating it). We live in relatively dryer dallas/ft. worth.

anyone recommend a solution? Is it a "moldy evaporator"? My neighbor has 2 camrys both with over 45K miles on them(2001 and 2002) and he says he does not have this problem. So what gives here?

I'm "sick" of this new camry, almost thinking of selling it. Should not this be covered under the warranty? Please help.

thanks.
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Comments

  • banddexpressbanddexpress Member Posts: 63
    Hi I've been noticing more water under my car when the ac has been on. I know there should be some water spot on the pavement but this one is huge? Any suggestions what it could be.

    Brent
  • typesixtypesix Member Posts: 321
    The more humid the air, more water will be seen. The warmer the air, more moisture can be held by the air and seen when using AC. Use recirc. mode when outside temp. is hot to reduce AC compressor load(saves gas).
  • scotttscottt Member Posts: 4
    Sounds like your AC drain box had a clog in the line that cleared itself when the water level got high enough. LKucky it did not start dripping on the inside of the car, leads to mold, mildew and smell.
  • mrzsolaramrzsolara Member Posts: 1
    My 2000 Solara recently started leaking water out of the vents under the passenger side seat onto the floor while the A/C is operating. Any ideas how to fix - is this a simple do it yourself job or must the car be taken to dealership?
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    That may mean that the drain is plugged (you used to see water under the car when you parked it after the A/C had been running, right?) You need to find that drain tube and unplug it. Probably means getting under the car.
  • snhoj2usnhoj2u Member Posts: 4
    I've had the same thing happen on different cars. Two quick ideas to try.
    #1 - get a piece of coat hanger wire or the like and send it up the drain tube to dislodge any obstruction. The drain tube is under the car behind and towards the center from the passenger's front tire.
    #2 - if you have a shop vac, put the hose over the drain tube and suck out whatever is obstructing the drain. May need to jam in some shop rags to get a good seal.
    Invest some time...save some $$$. Good luck.
  • xenos_inxenos_in Member Posts: 1
    Hi Everyone,
    I have a 1997 Camry LE with about 120000 miles on it. I have done pretty regular maintainence and oil changes on it. Recently I noticed that whevever I turn on the AC, engine makes more noise and while driving I can feel that pick up is affected if the AC is on. Now I know AC tends to load the engine but is this a bad sign. Is there a preventive action that I can take? I am going to change the oil in my car next week so I can include this too if there is something that you guys suggest. Thanks

    There is something else off the topic that I want to know too. I just have a jack in my trunk and no other tools. I was wondering if there was any kit that I can keep in my car in case of emergencies. Thanks
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    1) the AC issue sounds ok to me, I too have a 97 LE with 110k miles. I have no concern about it at all since AC tends to put a heavy load on engine. You have regular services on your car, I think it should be find.

    2) have you look under the piece of board that sit on top of the spare? There should be a tool for you to remove the wheel nuts and wheel covers. I don't use that at all because it's so difficult to use that thing to losen the nuts. Instead, I got a impact wrench ($29), an air pump ($19), a travel kit (jumper cable, flash light, lighter)
  • midorigalmidorigal Member Posts: 8
    Hello,

    I just purchased my Camry about 3 weeks ago and already had/have questions! Toyota Ken was nice enough to help me the first time and I wonder if he or other experts are still available?

    I'm started to notice my Camry is leaving a pool (small) of water. I only notice this if I stop by home after work and then go out again. Usually I go to work and the car gets parked all day and then go home, so maybe it's doing it more often and I just didn't notice.

    I use the A/C all the time because it's been so hot, could this puddle of water be condensation (as a co-worker suggested)? Or is it something I should worry about? Sorry to be so green about the whole thing, it's been so long since I've had a new car and my old one used to leak oil so I'm very wary of all leaks now! :blush:

    Much Thanks!
  • toyotakentoyotaken Member Posts: 897
    Two things for you. First, in all liklihood, the fluid you're seeing is the condensation from the A/C. This is normal with any modern vehicle using the A/C. To double check, before getting home (about 5-10mins before) one time, turn the A/C off. You can still use the fan, but don't have the A/C button engaged. You should not see the water pooling under the car.

    As a recommendation in the future as well, anytime you have a leak you see under the car, place some newspaper or paper towel down where it's leaking. If there is only one leak, you'll be able to see what color it is (to tell what's leaking) and if there is more than one thing leaking, as it absorbs into the paper, the different fluids will separate as well so you can tell that too. If it's just water, it will evaporate so you'll know that too.

    Hope this helps and certainly lets you breathe easier.

    Ken
  • midorigalmidorigal Member Posts: 8
    Thank you so much ToyotaKen for your reassurances and tips!! :):):)
    I will certainly try that driving home and place papers if I notice another leak. I hope that won't be for a looong time!

    You are the BEST!! ;)
  • toyotakentoyotaken Member Posts: 897
    You're welcome and I'm sure you're going to have a long, pleasant ownership experience.

    Ken
  • vskrvskr Member Posts: 2
    check your canster i had this problem i use to get gas smeel i have to replace the whole canster at the bottom of the car appox 600 dollars.
  • adbsadbs Member Posts: 5
    I have a '03 Camry and this past weekend the AC Indicator light started flashing. I looked in my manual and it said that there was a problem with the AC and therefore it automatically shuts off and that it needed to be serviced. I took my car to the shop last night and they just called and said that the main relay switch went out and that it needs to be replaced and that part costs $140.05. He also said that sometimes this doesn't fix the problem and then I would need a new clutch for the compressor and if so, that part costs around $600.00. Should this be happening on a '02 Camry? My husband has a '96 Tacoma and has never had a problem with his air, much less anything else for that matter. Thanks for the help!
  • eg3941eg3941 Member Posts: 2
    I have had several Toyota products over the years but my 2005 Camry LE has some air vents near the floor in the rear of the console that even on hi fan speed are useless in this Texas heat. I notice the the XLE model has different type vents that seem to be more effective. Why would Toyota engineer two different vent systems and don't they test these things? What a waste of money and time. Any comments? Ed Gober
  • njeraldnjerald Member Posts: 689
    I don't know anything about your 2005 LE but the '07 XLE has the vents in the rear of the center console that are operational when the air selector is set to the high vents and the under seat outlets flow air when the foot selection is made on your console.

    They will both flow air (hot or cold) when the selection is set for both high and low air split.

    You might check your owners manual for your 2005.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    In the '04-'06 Camry LE/SE, those are not air vents at all at the base of the console. However, vent outlets under the front seats direct only heated air to the rear seats. They do not convey cooled air -- wouldn't make sense, since cooled air would remain down low.

    The XLE has dedicated vents in the rear of the console that do carry cooled air.

    To get more a/c in the rear of the LE or SE, you have to increase the fan speed and direct the center vents to blow into the space between the two front seats.
  • njeraldnjerald Member Posts: 689
    They will convey cool air if you direct the cooled air flow at your feet or split between feet and high, won't they?

    Cooled air doesn't just sit on the floor when you are circulating air in a 102 ft3 space.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    You may be right -- I'll have to check it out.
  • mikell01mikell01 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 95 Camry 4 Cyl. The A/C works fine for about 30 minutes then begins to blow hot air. In the morning when it is cooler it seems to work fine. Freon level is good.
  • teg1teg1 Member Posts: 1
    Did you ever get an answer? I have a 1994 camry with the same problem.
  • gillesmtlgillesmtl Member Posts: 55
    A/C problems are tricky to diagnose, because may causes lead to similar signs (high- and low-pressure side readings).

    Short of going to a real knowledgeable specialist to get your system analyzed, you can measure the temperatures of the refrigerant lines using an infrared thermometer : Compressor outlet line, line after the condenser, return line.

    You may have moisture in your system : Ice forms at the expansion valve, blocking the system until you stop it and it thaws. You may have a sticking expansion valve. You may also have lint on the radiator's face that reduces air flow - that usually reduces performance, but it is more of a gradual change than an on-off behavior.

    If you don't have the required tools, ask your friends for a local technician who knows what he does. Otherwise, you may end up replacing many expensive parts.
  • pratikthakkarpratikthakkar Member Posts: 2
    I bought a 2007 Camry last week. The left most knob which circulates the air within the car is not working.

    Please tell me what to do.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Your engine is on the verge of overheating. The A/C is automatically disabled if the engine water jacket climbs above normal operating temperature.

    Most likely electric fan(s) or thermostatic switch as/has failed.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    Press the center of the left knob to activate the recirculate feature. The little green light will then go on.

    Press again to return to outside air intake.
  • mani313mani313 Member Posts: 1
    I hear a peculiar intermittent noise from the AC vents ( I think ) from my 2004 Camry 4-Cyl XLI, which has done 45000 kms. The intermittent noise through the vents sounds like vacuum pulling, though I can't be certain about the exact location of the noise. The AC otherwise works fine. Pl. help.
  • modesfoxmodesfox Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Camry LE 4 cyl with 71,400 miles on it, and have owned it since new.
    Last week my wife reported the AC not blowing cold and the AC button light blinking. I was just informed by my local Toyota dealer (to which I "had" to take it, according to both the owner's manual and the service tech where I first took it for diagnosis) that I need a new compressor and clutch to get my AC to work again. :mad:
    Is this typical, or a problem Toyota had that year? Is there a TSB or "secret warranty" for this?
    I am disappointed because this is my first Toyota, and I bought it over another Hyundai Sonata because of the perceived better reliability. Between this and the squawking steering column, it has not worked out very well.
    Am I looking at any other "weak link" repairs before I hit 100,000 miles?!! :cry:
    Thanks -- I appreciate any and all input!
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    IMMHO there is a high probablity that only the A/C clutch has failed or maybe even just so low on refrigerant that the ECU won't run the A/C.

    Take it to an automotive A/C specialist for an educated opinion.
  • billy1701billy1701 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2007 Camry with 31,000 miles. Since about 10,000 miles the A/C fan has behaved erratically. On long trips the air slows and speeds up. At times it seems as if the AC fan gets tired and can't get up to its full speed. It has been in to the dealer 4 times. Each time they could not duplicate the problem and could not find anything wrong. This last time I had to contact the service manager and have him compare my car to another one at the dealership to get my complaint taken seriously. They replaced the air filter($53.00) and have ordered a part called an "A/C accelerator", but it is back-ordered for weeks. I drove another 07 rental today and the air output difference was enormous. Anyone else with this kind of problem or advice?
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    Do you have automatic climate control where you set the temperature like a thermostat in your home?

    Or do you have the manual type (3 knobs) where you set the fan speed manually?
  • billy1701billy1701 Member Posts: 3
    manual type (3 knobs) where you set the fan speed manually
  • stlpike07stlpike07 Member Posts: 229
    Does the fan speed change constantly, or when you accelerate and slow down.

    When you accelerate, for lack of a better term, it sends more "juice" or power throughout the vehicle.

    I've noticed on many different cars that when you accelerate, and the rpm's go up, that the speed of the AC fans goes up to the maximum speed.
  • billy1701billy1701 Member Posts: 3
    no, there does not appear to be a connection to the accelerator. The air speeds up and slows down even with the cruise on at highway speeds or sitting at idle. It worked fine yesterday but today it is once again speeding up and slowing down. The dealership told me it does not have a resistor but a new thing called an AC accelerator.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    What you actually have is a PWM, Pulse Width Modulation, "switching" blower motor driver. Basically the power is switched on and off VERY rapidly and the speed is determined by the duty-cycle, on vs off time, of the pulsing. Except at full speed there is no PWM switching.
  • pktrrmpktrrm Member Posts: 2
    My 2000 Camry was blowing ice-cold air. Immediately after I changed out one of the headlights it stopped working. When pressed, the AC button light turns green but the AC clutch won't engage. I think it's probably just a fuse, but I don't know where it is... can someone please tell me where the AC fuse is located on a 2000 Camry?

    Thanks in advance!
    Chris
  • pdnotespdnotes Member Posts: 2
    My 02 Camry had exactly the same problem - stopped blowing cold & the AC light blinked. Toyota actually issued a service bulletin for this condition(TSB EL011-05), which involved the the magnetic clutch relay. We replaced it, and the problem is solved. I believe the part cost around $60, and was so easy to install that I actually did it myself.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    There are two possibilities. The OAT, Outside Air Temperature, sensor is usually mounted on/near the front bumper just in front of the condensor/radiator "stack".

    Open that connection and the OAT would seemingly go below freezing. The A/C is totally disabled if the OAT is near or below freezing.

    The second possibilty is the refrigerant pressure switch. On my car it is mounted just below the passenger side front headlight. A poor or open connection there would most definitely cause your symptoms.
  • rtemplertemple Member Posts: 1
    I have an 06 Camry w/o climate control. A/C is blowing only warm air. The compressor is engaged and does not cycle on and off. A/C control knobs light up but when you turn the temperature knob counterclock wise ( colder) at about 10:00 position the knob light goes out?
  • jimemteachjimemteach Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Camry with a AC fan problem. At first the fan would only work on high speed.Then it finelly stopped working all together.The fuse is good. The green light in the AC button is lite but no fan. Any ideas?
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Check the blower resistor, which is by the blower motor squirrel cage, passenger compartment.
  • in_buddyin_buddy Member Posts: 4
    Hello Techs,

    I recently bought used 05 Camry LE with 44k miles on it. I have little to none about car knowledge. I have noticed even if I run my AC on max for an hour it only makes temperature ok not cool. Does that sounds fine? I guess something is wrong. Can any of you please suggest what to troubleshoot and what could be wrong?

    Thanks in advance.
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    No, that doesn't sound fine.

    Take it to a shop to have them check your freon levels and pressures. They'll also check that your pressure switches are working correctly, turning your compressor on and off correctly.

    Toyota dealership can do that, or a repair shop that handles air conditioners.

    You may have a leak, which let your freon leak out and is now too low. They can also check for leaks.
  • in_buddyin_buddy Member Posts: 4
    Thanks a lot.

    Couldn't that a AC filter issue? Just another thought by someone.

    Thanks again for your technical advice.
  • in_buddyin_buddy Member Posts: 4
    No response..??
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    The filter is not a credible cause of the problem. The instructions to replace it are in the owners manual, it's behind the glove compartment, takes about 5 minutes to put a new one in. Do it if you want.

    You run it an hour on max recirculate and the vehicle isn't cold, you have some freon flow related problem. Get it to a shop who can diagnose and repair AC issues.

    You need a set of gauges to get even a basic understanding of pressures, an understanding of the principles of freon gas to liquid to gas conversion, the effect of pressures and pressure differentials which effects flow through and orifice, and leak kits to do it right. Some make the mistake of just throwing a can of freon in, which can cause problems. You can actually overcharge the system, preventing the compressor from pulling down the lowside pressure low enough, which then prevents enough flow to provide enough cooling. There is a set of proper pressures (on both the low side and the high side), that need to be in the system for it to work correctly. It's not really a DYI'er.
  • in_buddyin_buddy Member Posts: 4
    Thanks a lot.
  • redfieldredfield Member Posts: 2
    i have a problem with the heater in my 2007 Camry Hybrid.
    When it is very cold outside ,5 to 20 degrees, it gets to warm
    after a short time when the thermestat is at it's lowest 65 degrees.
    I have to keep turning the temp to "lo", to shut off the heat and then
    it gets too cold and I have to go back to 65. I think the problem would
    be elliminated if I were able to set the temp at 63-64, which I can't.
  • dutildutil Member Posts: 1
    Hi there, I have a toyota camry 1990 4 cyl and 4 wheel drive. when i drive in town and let it go to slow down there is a sound like banging. Was wondering if it could be the rear end. Do I need to jack the car to check the lvl of the oil of the rear end?
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    The Camry is front-wheel-drive car, so there is no differential in the rear, and therefore no oil level to check there. It's hard to diagnose what your problem may be over the internet without more specific information.
  • jsheridan64jsheridan64 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2004 Toyota Camry XLE it has 126000 miles on it. My AC light started flashing the other day and I am assuming that this means that I need the AC recharged or something like that. Would I be right in assuming that or is that even something that could be done? Or might it be something more serious? If someone could let me know that would be great.

    Thank you
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