AC problem in 92 Camry

[misscapulet1]

Hello,
I've owned my 92 Camry since Septembe of last year. It is in wonderful condition (or, so I thought), but has been one headache after the next the last few weeks.
Most recently, the AC has apparently died. I went to turn it on as a test-run after the winter and discovered that the air was not cooling down. If my memory serves me correctly, I did not notice any lessening in the AC the last time I used it;it seems to have just quit.
I am not well-versed in cars. Are there any "cars for dummies" kind of tests I can perform to even get an idea as to what might be wrong? Someone mentioned something to me about a compressor. Is there any "easy" way to see if that may be it?
Thanks for your patience.

[Bossman]

MissMontique...er, ah,....I mean...MissCapulet,

Unfortunately, you'll need to have your A/C checked out at a repair shop. Your A/C compressor may be shot ($$$) or you just may need a freon recharging.

[AndyM1978]

Last summer, my 92 started blowing warm air when the AC was turned on.

For about $100, my mechanic converted my A/C system to the modern type and charged it up. After a year, it still blows pretty cold. A blinking A/C light means that something is broken in the system (compressor?).

[Brian R.]

Probably ran out of refrigerant. Take it to a mechanic to refill it.

[misscapulet1]

Originally Posted by AndyM1978

Last summer, my 92 started blowing warm air when the AC was turned on.

For about $100, my mechanic converted my A/C system to the modern type and charged it up. After a year, it still blows pretty cold. A blinking A/C light means that something is broken in the system (compressor?).

thanks,
i have seen no AC light--which of course could also mean that its broken, too. or, maybe that's a good sign?

[misscapulet1]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

Probably ran out of refrigerant. Take it to a mechanic to refill it.

thank you,
i thought immediately that that was probably the difficulty. but, i've been warned that i should find out WHY it has run out. (it shouldn't just leak out suddenly, right?)
perhaps an old hose/rings, etc.?

[Brian R.]

Car refrigerant systems leak slowly constantly to lubricate the seals in the compressor. It is not a sealed system like in your air conditioner or heat pump at home. If the refill leaks out in a year or two (or less) then you have a problem. When they refill it, they can put a dye in the refrigerant and then you will see if it is leaking and where.

The life of the refrigerant is increased if you periodically run the air conditioner during the off-season (once a month or so) to keep the compressor seals lubricated. It is likely that the people who owned the car before you did didn't run the air conditioner periodically.

Unless you heard it hiss and dump the refrigerant while you were watching, you don't know that it leaked out suddenly. It probably leaked out over the 12 years since it was new. The A/C system all of a sudden stops working because the compressor stops working when the pressure in the system falls below a certain point. Above this pressure it works fine. Below this pressure, it is shut off.

[Webb5048]

I had problem ac light blinking and ac blowing hot air....and the ac relay which is under hood in relay box near battery....had to be replaced and solved problem....01-06 camry all use same size. Cost 13.99 at o'rieilly.

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by auto trainy

I've had GM products for years and now own a Toyota and for what its worth all my cars would not allow the compressor to turn on under a certain temperature,could it be the same thing with the Toyota since the temperature by you has been pretty low?

The short answer is no, they should still turn on. Even many years ago most manufacturers recommended you turn on the A/C periodically during the cold winter months and let it run for at least 10 minutes. That would help keep the seals lubricated and avoid them drying out allowing the refrigerant and oil charge to leak out.

Mike

[Brian R.]

Originally Posted by auto trainy

I've had GM products for years and now own a Toyota and for what its worth all my cars would not allow the compressor to turn on under a certain temperature,could it be the same thing with the Toyota since the temperature by you has been pretty low?

I doubt the original thread starter read your comment, since the thread was created 10 years ago.