Previa A/C and Blower resister issue :(

[choiss]

1. The A/C is not cold at all. It was OK last year, but now I get only warm air.

2. I replaced the blower resister about year ago, but it has gone wrong again. I get 1-1-1-4 instead of 1-2-3-4 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest fan speed).

3. The starter fails starting engine some times. It clicks but wouldn't turn. It works OK some times. The starter passed the test at PepBoys and the battery is OK, too.

Are these all related? Or seperate problems?
What is the best way to clarify problems?

Thanks in advance for your help / advices.

[kathyricks]

If cooling was merely "OK" last year instead of real cold then system could have been low on refrigerant due to a slow leak and then got so low that the compressor no longer activate due to low system pressures. Adding refrigerant in that case could restore system pressure sufficiently to allow the compressor run again.

Of course there could be other faults like a worn out magnetic clutch on the compressor or a seized compressor due to inadequate lubrication (compressor oil circulated with the refrigerant so if the refrigerant charge is low, compressor lubrication is compromised)

The starter solenoid has copper contacts that wear out causing intermittent
no start situations. Toyota dealers sell appropriate starter contact kits for
about $25 and you can either replace the contacts yourself or have a starter shop do it. You might find a tutorial on the web if you Google "toyota starter contact tutorial"

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by choiss

1. The A/C is not cold at all. It was OK last year, but now I get only warm air.

2. I replaced the blower resister about year ago, but it has gone wrong again. I get 1-1-1-4 instead of 1-2-3-4 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest fan speed).

3. The starter fails starting engine some times. It clicks but wouldn't turn. It works OK some times. The starter passed the test at PepBoys and the battery is OK, too.

Are these all related? Or seperate problems?
What is the best way to clarify problems?

Thanks in advance for your help / advices.

1. Previas are known for leaking expansion valves, both front and rear.
Adding dye to the a/c system is a great way to check for a leak. There was a "SSC P01" issued many years ago for this problem by toyota.(see attachment)

2. The blower switch in the previa is also a known problem. They melt and you only get certain speeds as you have described 1-1-1-4. or no speeds at all.

3. Toyota does indeed make a starter contact kit which is the problem is most toyotas when they go "CLICK". Make sure when changing these starter contacts you also clean the contact ring inside the starter solenoid that these contacts touch, this ring is not sold seperatly and you have to buy the whole starter to get it if it is worn out. Most previas have many miles on them, a REMAN TOYOTA starter is a better way to go as far as a warranty is concerned. There is a 1 year warranty on it from the day of purchase, if it should fail.
PM me if you need a picture tutorial on replacing thses contacts. I made one for a tundra starter. Most starters are about the same.

[choiss]

Thanks guys for quick and great responses!

I will look for the starter contact kit at a local toyota dealer. If they have it, I will probably be able to do what you said.

I assume the problem is at the A/C refrigerant as I can see some leaking residue around there. Should I take the van to a local garage? Or should I look for the refill kit at a auto part shop?

I replaced the resister only about a year ago, and it is not working properly. I can replace it again, but isn't there any possible cause why the life was that short?

Thanks again guys for your expert advises.

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by choiss

I replaced the resister only about a year ago, and it is not working properly. I can replace it again, but isn't there any possible cause why the life was that short?

Yes, the blower switch is BAD. The blower switch melts (internally) and then develops high resistance which in turn raises the amperage needed to work, raising the amperage throught the entire cicuit, this in turn melts the blower resistor. Its a common problem.

[choiss]

If the blower switch is bad, can I fix it? Or should I replace it?
Also, is there any way that I can check the resister with an electric tester?

[mustang67408]

The switch will be melted. HAVE TO REPLACE

Here is a test for the resistor