2003 Tundra AC quite working

zorba0332 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 07:39 AM

2003 Tundra, 33k miles
About 3 weeks ago, the Air Conditioning started to not blow air as cold as normal. It seemed as though the system might need a touch of Freon. It was intermittent and mostly at idle that it seemed to be worse.

I had a can of 134 in the garage and dropped it in. Seemed like it got colder but I really didn’t think too much about it.

Just recently, 2 or 3 days ago, I completely stopped making cold air. The compressor was cycling on and off which led me to believe that I was low on Freon again. Time to look for a leak. So I grabbed another can of Freon and tried to put it in. Did not want to take it. Checked the hoses and everything, all fine but still did not want to take it.

Then today, I noticed that if I put the AC on, I hear a “clunk” or kinda a rattle when the AC pump kicks on. Only once in a while. Still no AC and getting hotter every day.

So has this happened to anyone?
Does anyone have any ideas?
When I read other threads, it talked about the condenser on the right side when you open the hood. Is that the right side sitting in the truck or looking at the engine. I think the condenser is on the left side looking at the engine and there are no signs of leaking, loose or disturbed wiring.

My truck is a 2003 but only 33k miles on it. Like Brandy new. Would there be a warranty on the pumps based on mileage?

Any input would be appricated!

Thanks

kovawa · #2 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 10:07 AM

You need to take the truck to a repair shop and have the problem diagnosed by a professional a/c tech. R134a is charge sensitive, meaning there has to be the right amount of refrigerant charge in the system to have it cool efficeintly. Unlike R12, which was more forgiving with respect to charge levels. You state that the compressor rattles ocassionaly, that may be due to internal wear or because the system is now overcharged and is forced to run at higher head pressures. Neither situation is good. Get it checked out and let us know what happened.

tempetom · #3 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 10:13 AM

The condensor is on your right when facing the truck from the front. If the fitting isn't leaking, you probably need to get a pro to check it (ouch). I'm pretty sure your guarantee has expired on that.