Question what is wrong with my AC ?

[petrocelly]

Hi,
I normally dont make any posts for anytihng but I would like to ask you guys if you came across similiar problem im getting with my 03' 4runner V8 Sport SR5.

I had a strange problem with my AC before, the Led on the controll knob was flashing, so I toke it to the dealer and told em about it, they told me that theres nothing wrong with the AC and everything works fine. It repeated about 3 times, and still after I toke it to the dealers I get same responce that everything is working fine, the AC Led is was not flashing, and I got cold air so I was happy it works. This was happening untyl I had my warranty on the truck. Now my warranty is ower and again I get the same problem. I'm affraid to go to dealer to tell em about the problem because I know they will diagnose charge me alot and u know the answer ... Instead of that I made a little research by myself and come across a recall for a relay magnetic clutch, so I ordered the part, replaced it and AC LED is still flashing and I'm not getting any cold air at all, even with the old part. after each button hit I get about 10 seconds of solid light AC and later it starts to flash again, even I can see on the engine rpm to change depending when I press the button and later after about 10 sec it goes lower rpm plus LED is flashing (so something is turning my AC off) The relay did not help at all. Another interesting part is when outside is about 15-16 degrees Celsia the AC works and I get solid LED and cold air. If it gets warmer the AC does not work, no cold air.

Anyone got any Idea what is the problem ? Is there any diagnostics I can do ?

[petrocelly]

OK, problem solved

I did replace wrong relay.
So if you ever come across same problem you have to replace the relay marked "MG CLT" is short for Magnetic Clutch.

Now everything works as it should.
also you can use any other part not only original Toyota part.

you can get the part here:
RockAuto Parts Catalog

its about 12.15$ + shipping

I'm happy that I did not go to stealership, saved a HUGE ammount just with this. Only because they know nothing about what they do, and even they dont care about TBS from Toyota at all, otherwise they would replace the relay at the first complain I had for AC

[pb4ugotobed]

Toyotas in general have a huge problem with the clutch relay. Most common in camry's, corolla's, and older avalons, but I've seen at least one or several of these relays go bad in about every model toyota makes. $13 is a good deal, we sell that part for like $78 and some change.

I have yet to see any sort of a 'recall' on that relay, doubt we ever will. Sort of like ECU's in corolla's. We know they're junk. The guys at Toyota knows they're junk. As soon as you see a corolla on a flatbed pulling into the lot, there's only one thought that comes to mind. "Another Corolla needs a computer". Same thing applies to the flashing AC light. Needs a relay. I'm sure there's other things that could cause similar symptoms, but every one of them I've seen have all needed a relay.