View Full Version : Warm A/C


XBman
03-12-2004, 03:25 PM
Hi I have an XB with 2000 miles and i have noticed that my A/C system has been slowly heating up. My heater is great but the A/C feels like its just bringing in the outside air any help would be appreciated :idea:

kdanie
03-12-2004, 05:59 PM
Take it back to the dealer and have it checked out. Sounds like it lost some refrigerant. I know that in warm weather the A/C is marginal. Echo owners have the same problem and have found that insulating the A/C tubing in the engine compartment helps some.

ken

hahajoey
03-12-2004, 06:47 PM
theres a service bulletin..

called the Air-mix cable adjustment

Procedure,

1) Remove combination meter.
refer to the TIS Repair Manual "INSTRUMENT PANEL SUB ASSEMBLEYY"

2) Adjust the Air-Mix damper control cable sub-assembly

a) set the temperature control knob in the MAX COOL position

b) remove the outer cable in the cable clamp

c) with the arm in the "MAX COOL" position, the clearance between the arm and prjection on the heater unit should be 1mm(0.039 inches) or less.

d) install the inner cable end on the control lever while holding the lever arm in the MAX COOL position

e) reinstall the outer cable in the cable clamp while slighty pressing it in the direciton of the arrow.

hahajoey
03-12-2004, 06:50 PM
whoops my computre is tripping i posted the pic twice

hahajoey
03-12-2004, 06:50 PM
http://www.tl-factory.com/temp/ac.jpg

WagenMaster
03-12-2004, 06:52 PM
I seriously hope this is not an issue for me here in the hot desert. That's one of the reasons why I didn't purchase a Mini Cooper S--the A/C is known to work poorly in the heat. :?

Bicepeak
03-12-2004, 10:15 PM
I seriously hope this is not an issue for me here in the hot desert. That's one of the reasons why I didn't purchase a Mini Cooper S--the A/C is known to work poorly in the heat. :?

Its been in the low 90s in AZ and the AC keeps it cold! I got my xB January 17. Maybe they had them adjusted by the time I purchased mine. Of course we will see when it get over a 100, but i think it will be fine.

Sean

XBman
03-12-2004, 10:56 PM
Ok Cool thanks for all your help. ill prob go to the dealer. But would it be under warrenty? i dont want to pay a cent!

elzy0000
03-12-2004, 11:48 PM
http://www.tl-factory.com/temp/ac.jpg

dood where the hell is this located

03-13-2004, 12:25 AM
did you push the AC button there buddy? Sorry to answer so stupid, but the simplist answer solves the biggest problems.

XBman
03-13-2004, 03:55 AM
Man im not that stupid lol

elzy0000
03-26-2004, 11:27 PM
GO TO THE DEALER AND GET THE TSB DONE IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE! i just wish the tsb would have come out sooner... last summer i felt like i was driving one of my old air-cooled vws. last week it hit like 96 here in phoenix so i went and had the dealer do their magic... i can oficially say "now im cool"

TheScionicMan
03-26-2004, 11:40 PM
Ok Cool thanks for all your help. ill prob go to the dealer. But would it be under warrenty? i dont want to pay a cent!

What warranty did you get with yours??? Perhaps the one that comes with ALL Scions?


Scion will back you up with these Limited Coverages:

Basic Coverage:
All components other than normal wear and maintenance items are covered for 36 months/36,000 miles.

elzy0000
03-27-2004, 12:04 AM
from what i understand all TSB are free... to toyota a tsb is basically a recall but they dont like to say recall

elzy0000
03-27-2004, 12:04 AM
from what i understand all TSB are free... to toyota a tsb is basically a recall but they dont like to say recall... to them its like shouting the f-word in church

fr130
03-27-2004, 12:33 AM
Checked mine today (MD, 73F WOOOHOO!!). Seems fine to me. It was ofcourse the first time. Yeah, have the Toy Dealer perform the TSB. I'm going to have mine done for the A/C as well as all the rattle noises. Just heard mine today, with the rear seats folded down. WOOOHOO :roll:

hotlanta
03-27-2004, 01:52 AM
I had the same problem and went to the dealer (World Toyota) to have it checked. I gave them the TSB# and they said it was not defective and nothing could be done because the item was not recalled. I spent 1.5 hours waiting for them just to tell me that. On top of that, I saw the technician joyriding in my ride "to make sure". He "made sure" after riding around their parking lot for 5 minutes-What the ef? I was ____ed. The technician had the nerve to ask if I pressed the AC button and if I turned the dial to blue-dumb ___! Then he tries to explain that the TSB only refers to adjusting the cables so that the dial can turn all the way to the blue. He was BSing me. So, still not as cool as could be, but bearable. While the weather is still comfortable, what do you suggest I do? Time is money and I can't stand to wait idly in a crappy service lounge or watch them mess around in my ride. Can I just DIY?? Or rather DIM?

Bicepeak
03-27-2004, 01:48 PM
from what i understand all TSB are free... to toyota a tsb is basically a recall but they dont like to say recall

Did you have yours taken care of? So far my is really cold.

Sean

elzy0000
03-27-2004, 06:04 PM
yeah sean i got mine done the other day... i dont think you have to worry about it because the problem was apperently fixed after a certain production date

Bicepeak
03-27-2004, 07:46 PM
yeah sean i got mine done the other day... i dont think you have to worry about it because the problem was apperently fixed after a certain production date

I figured it was something like that because mine has been ice cold so far. I think it will be fine when we get over 100 this summer.

Sean

fr130
03-29-2004, 07:05 PM
A got the Box back in Feb 03 in the East Coast launch. Scion's marked for the Newark, Jersey port.

I'm getting the box fix for this issue (April 12th). use the A/C at our nation's capital. Man, WARM WARM air. Barely cold at all. It was ran for along time too. Also, it seems that once the A/C is turned on while I stop at a light, the Vibration (metal hitting metal) sounds start's up, making this even worse. I know our puny engines are, well puny but this sucks. Give us a smoother A/C system LOL :roll:

ayS
04-04-2004, 07:01 AM
theres a service bulletin..

called the Air-mix cable adjustment

Procedure,

1) Remove combination meter.
refer to the TIS Repair Manual "INSTRUMENT PANEL SUB ASSEMBLEYY"

2) Adjust the Air-Mix damper control cable sub-assembly

a) set the temperature control knob in the MAX COOL position

b) remove the outer cable in the cable clamp

c) with the arm in the "MAX COOL" position, the clearance between the arm and prjection on the heater unit should be 1mm(0.039 inches) or less.

d) install the inner cable end on the control lever while holding the lever arm in the MAX COOL position

e) reinstall the outer cable in the cable clamp while slighty pressing it in the direciton of the arrow.

is there a .pdf for this?

fr130
04-06-2004, 05:38 PM
Alright, I took in the Box to Russell Toyota/Scion for the warm A/C issue I had while I was in our Nations Capital. Well, Greg (service guy) said that the Tech(s) checked the temperature and said that 34F or so is the lowest it can go since the Box is using R31 or R1 Freon or some other Freon designation. They didnt touch the TSB. I'll check again once summer hits Maryland.

abit off topic...
Overall, excellent service with these guys. Did I mention they gave me a free loaner car, 2004 Avalon with leather seats, sunroof,...ohhh, we need the Avalon suspension in our BOX!

XBman
04-20-2004, 03:24 AM
Hey i had an idea...... If our heater is not as hot as it could be could we do the same thing just turn the knob in the max heat? anyone think itll work??? :P

http://www.tl-factory.com/temp/ac.jpg

VinceJr
05-06-2004, 10:33 PM
I had the same problem and went to the dealer (World Toyota) to have it checked. I gave them the TSB# and they said it was not defective and nothing could be done because the item was not recalled. I spent 1.5 hours waiting for them just to tell me that. On top of that, I saw the technician joyriding in my ride "to make sure". He "made sure" after riding around their parking lot for 5 minutes-What the ef? I was ____ed. The technician had the nerve to ask if I pressed the AC button and if I turned the dial to blue-dumb ___! Then he tries to explain that the TSB only refers to adjusting the cables so that the dial can turn all the way to the blue. He was bull____ting me. So, still not as cool as could be, but bearable. While the weather is still comfortable, what do you suggest I do? Time is money and I can't stand to wait idly in a crappy service lounge or watch them ____ around in my ride. Can I just DIY?? Or rather DIM?

I wouldn't DIY....just take it to another dealer...there is a reason it is called a "Toyota" warranty....if the dealer you bought it from treats you like an idiot, do some calling around and find a different one to do the TSB/warranty service work.

TheScionicMan
05-06-2004, 10:53 PM
I had the same problem and went to the dealer (World Toyota) to have it checked. I gave them the TSB# and they said it was not defective and nothing could be done because the item was not recalled. I spent 1.5 hours waiting for them just to tell me that. On top of that, I saw the technician joyriding in my ride "to make sure". He "made sure" after riding around their parking lot for 5 minutes-What the ef? I was ____ed. The technician had the nerve to ask if I pressed the AC button and if I turned the dial to blue-dumb ___! Then he tries to explain that the TSB only refers to adjusting the cables so that the dial can turn all the way to the blue. He was bull____ting me. So, still not as cool as could be, but bearable. While the weather is still comfortable, what do you suggest I do? Time is money and I can't stand to wait idly in a crappy service lounge or watch them ____ around in my ride. Can I just DIY?? Or rather DIM?

I wouldn't DIY....just take it to another dealer...there is a reason it is called a "Toyota" warranty....if the dealer you bought it from treats you like an idiot, do some calling around and find a different one to do the TSB/warranty service work.

I would maybe call the Scion hotline and ask them what they think about a service department spending more time testing the issue than performing the TSB as requested by the customer. Seems silly to me...

CorollasBest
05-06-2004, 11:23 PM
You can look at the tsb here:
http://www.corollatoys.com/parts/scionTSB/AC002-04.htm

XBman
05-07-2004, 04:51 AM
great find thanks....

BMarle
05-07-2004, 11:35 AM
from what i understand all TSB are free... to toyota a tsb is basically a recall but they dont like to say recall
TSB are only free while the vehicle is in warranty. Sometimes a dealer will do a goodwill warranty if something has a TSB. A SSC (Special Service Campain) is a voluntary recall by toyota to fix known problems. A true recall is a Federal mandate issued to a company to fix a problem.

XBman
05-08-2004, 12:10 AM
ok

XBman
05-08-2004, 12:10 AM
ok

XTRMGMR
05-08-2004, 12:35 AM
Does anyone know how long it should take for the inspection and to make the necessary adjustments? I called my dealer and was told to leave it for the day.

mikochu
05-08-2004, 01:06 AM
When I took mine in, it took them like 30 minutes. My car wasn't in the vin# range, but they checked it anyway...

XBman
05-08-2004, 03:06 AM
how much better was it?

XBman
05-08-2004, 03:07 AM
how much better was it?

cmdxb
05-08-2004, 11:36 PM
Take it back to the dealer and have it checked out. Sounds like it lost some refrigerant. I know that in warm weather the A/C is marginal. Echo owners have the same problem and have found that insulating the A/C tubing in the engine compartment helps some.

ken

what do you use to isulate it?

TJ
05-09-2004, 06:48 AM
I did that TSB myself since i work dayshift m-f.

Took off the instrument cluster panel bezel first (the plastic screw needs to be unscrewed first then the bezel snaps off) .

Unscrewed three screws one on the left of the instrument cluster, one in the middle, and one on the right.

Pull it out and push it to the left without disconnecting it. Grab a flashlight and look down into the hole. Adjust what needs to be adjusted per TSB webpage. I readjusted it but it seems that my A/C can't go any colder and that it's within the 1mm spec.

I used copper pipe insulation that slips over piping. i believe i got the 3/8th inch one but go into home depot and ask for it. one long piece will do. also grab some aluminum duct tape to finish it. looks ugly but it's better than nothing.

Got_Air
05-09-2004, 03:30 PM
well try moving on to a different type of feon, just as long as it "compatible" with 134a you will be ok, do a search on yahoo, for freons, I belive there is a different kind on freon that is called "super-cool" R???? its 350% more efficent than 134a but you will pay for. its $40 per lb if I remember correctly.

XBman
05-10-2004, 02:43 AM
40 bucks sounds like alot

dealerlover
05-10-2004, 07:49 PM
I had the same problem and went to the dealer (World Toyota) to have it checked. I gave them the TSB# and they said it was not defective and nothing could be done because the item was not recalled. I spent 1.5 hours waiting for them just to tell me that. On top of that, I saw the technician joyriding in my ride "to make sure". He "made sure" after riding around their parking lot for 5 minutes-What the ef? I was ____ed. The technician had the nerve to ask if I pressed the AC button and if I turned the dial to blue-dumb ___! Then he tries to explain that the TSB only refers to adjusting the cables so that the dial can turn all the way to the blue. He was bull____ting me. So, still not as cool as could be, but bearable. While the weather is still comfortable, what do you suggest I do? Time is money and I can't stand to wait idly in a crappy service lounge or watch them ____ around in my ride. Can I just DIY?? Or rather DIM?

Although I am a little upset with the vulgarity expressed in this posting I will say that in most instances any dealer is willing to admit when they are wrong and I am sure this dealer is no different. So instead of verbally abusing them in a forum that they can not respond why do you not abuse them on Toyota's 1-800 hot line for customer service issues. I am sure given the opportunity the mngr there would respond promptly and politely. Yours Truly, Dealerlover[/quote]

hahajoey
05-10-2004, 11:05 PM
i just got my TBS service done at longo
DUDE the a/c is AWESOME NOW!

XBman
05-11-2004, 12:10 AM
yes a definate difference. Hey dealer lover try to concider pioneers in this group. We know that the dealer are honest and try to help but lets face it.... there is a problem with the a/c

XBman
05-12-2004, 01:27 AM
big difference with TSB

cmdxb
05-12-2004, 03:45 PM
big difference with TSB

got my sb done yesterday, still NO difference...ac blows REALLY cool, but not quite COLD....gosh this sux0rs.....any other sugg all? :?

MSCOFF
05-13-2004, 12:13 AM
with the car warmed up, ac on for 5 minutes or more, outside air temperature at 80-85 deg f, fan on high speed, air vent to recirculate - lever to left, discharge directed all to the round dash vents, engine rpm 2500-3000 rpm. I got 48deg air comming out of the vent with a probe type thermometer in the vent. This is on an xA with a vin # higher than the date for the TSB. could others with a similar vehicle post the readings. TIA Mark S.

XBman
05-13-2004, 01:24 AM
big difference with TSB

got my sb done yesterday, still NO difference...ac blows REALLY cool, but not quite COLD....gosh this sux0rs.....any other sugg all? :?

maybe try insulating the A/C tube.... i know some 1 has done it here hon the fourm... do a search

XBman
05-13-2004, 04:26 AM
I strongly suggest doing it and go as dark as you're allowed in your state. Tinting your windows is the #1 best thing you can do to keep the temperature down inside the car. It also keeps the A/C from having to work as hard on cooler days and it just looks smooth, which is a nice perk.

If you get a tint, ask for Llumar. It's a type of film they use, best stuff around. Costs a tiny bit more but it will NEVER bubble, turn purple or peel and it's so smooth it looks like it came from the factory with the tint.

If you still want to try insulating the ducts, go to Home Depot and ask them for insulating wrap for small pipes/hoses that can be used under the hood. They sell the same stuff there you will find on a "import tuning" site, only you'll pay about 20% the price at Home Depot. Just remember--- know what you are wrapping before you do it and don't go crazy with it.

CorollasBest
05-13-2004, 04:33 AM
I don't have a scion, but I have a suggestion that some people have used on the 1.6L (3zz-fe) Corolla in Taiwan. They wrap the lines from the ac compressor with extra insulation using tons of zip ties.

XBman
05-13-2004, 04:49 AM
looks good

cmdxb
05-13-2004, 03:36 PM
I strongly suggest doing it and go as dark as you're allowed in your state. Tinting your windows is the #1 best thing you can do to keep the temperature down inside the car. It also keeps the A/C from having to work as hard on cooler days and it just looks smooth, which is a nice perk.

If you get a tint, ask for Llumar. It's a type of film they use, best stuff around. Costs a tiny bit more but it will NEVER bubble, turn purple or peel and it's so smooth it looks like it came from the factory with the tint.

If you still want to try insulating the ducts, go to Home Depot and ask them for insulating wrap for small pipes/hoses that can be used under the hood. They sell the same stuff there you will find on a "import tuning" site, only you'll pay about 20% the price at Home Depot. Just remember--- know what you are wrapping before you do it and don't go crazy with it.

Just wanted to pop in and say 2 things..

1 llumar is hands down the best..it has a nationwide warranty from any llumar window film dealer..u should get a card that states that....

2. on the insulation...this does not void my warranty does it?....and copper tubing insulation or waht not should do the trick?

also ona lighter note...u know one day i will be more proactive in this forum, and not just askin a ton of silly questions..thanks so much for the help all! 8)

scionxbny
05-13-2004, 09:20 PM
Is it a REAL noticable lack of cold air? What I mean is, is it more warm than cold? Mine blows pretty cold and I bought mine 2 months ago with a December 2003 Production date. But if it could go even colder I would still take it in.

XBman
05-14-2004, 12:43 AM
myne is slowly gettin warmer.... before i got the TSB. Im gunna insulate mt tubes tho soon.

XBman
06-21-2004, 10:34 PM
Is it a REAL noticable lack of cold air? What I mean is, is it more warm than cold? Mine blows pretty cold and I bought mine 2 months ago with a December 2003 Production date. But if it could go even colder I would still take it in.

well i want it cold enough so where i wont burn up in the summer. It was slowly gettin warmer. I got the TSB done tho much better

cmdxb
06-22-2004, 02:19 PM
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=190326#190326

8)

Here is my experience w warm a/c

XBman
06-22-2004, 08:25 PM
that doesnt say anything like this post????? :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

cmdxb
06-22-2004, 08:56 PM
that doesnt say anything like this post????? :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

I know , but it was an example of what to look out for when adressing the warm ac prob in our boxes...be wary of shady dealers! 8)

XBman
06-22-2004, 09:39 PM
oh ok well thanks for that 1 :) :)