Air Conditioning Questions

EarlyGirl · Jul 18, 2019

Air conditioning (automatic system) does not seem to work lately on my 2011 RAV4 Limited V-6- just blows warm air - so have a few questions to see if I can resolve myself versus paying the dealer $115 just for the diagnostic.
* Is the air conditioning filter behind the glove box the same as what some call the cabin air filter? If so, mine has been replaced annually.
* Are the air conditioning recharge kits sold in auto parts stores safe to use following instructions? If so, any particular brand recommended?
* Have not checked related fuses, but figured the dash would show me something if one went out?
* Not sure if coincidental, but hit a wild turkey few months back which damaged (broke a little plastic and has to realign insignia) my center front grill.
* Aside from checking for complete system leaks, anything else one might suggest to look into?

@2011rav4 · Jul 18, 2019

Toyota RAV4 (XA40) 2013-2018 Service Manual: Air conditioning system (for automatic air conditioning system) - Air conditioning

www.trav4.net

2003Rav4Lover · Jul 18, 2019

EarlyGirl said:
Air conditioning (automatic system) does not seem to work lately on my 2011 RAV4 Limited V-6- just blows warm air - so have a few questions to see if I can resolve myself versus paying the dealer $115 just for the diagnostic.

Is the air conditioning filter behind the glove box the same as what some call the cabin air filter? If so, mine has been replaced annually.

Are the air conditioning recharge kits sold in auto parts stores safe to use following instructions? If so, any particular brand recommended?

Have not checked related fuses, but figured the dash would show me something if one went out?

Not sure if coincidental, but hit a wild turkey few months back which damaged (broke a little plastic and has to realign insignia) my center front grill.

Aside from checking for complete system leaks, anything else one might suggest to look into?

Sounds like you very likely may have damaged the condenser. I'd pay a reputable person to perform a dye test and find the definitive leak.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk

@2011rav4 · Jul 18, 2019

This may help.

Auto A/C Problem

A few months ago, I decided that I was tired of all the dust that was constantly accumulating in the interior cabin, so I fashioned a cabin filter out of a 3M Filtrete filter, which solved the dust problem. I am not sure if this is related, but fast forward to last week, and I noticed one...

www.rav4world.com

RonMN · Aug 8, 2019

EarlyGirl, did you find a solution? Thanks.

@2011rav4 · Aug 8, 2019

RonMN said:
EarlyGirl, did you find a solution? Thanks.

Is yours manual or auto ac?

Do you have TECHSTREAM?

RonMN · Aug 8, 2019

@2011rav4 said:
Is yours manual or auto ac?

Do you have TECHSTREAM?

2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited (4wd). No Techstream software. Different issue than OP's but similar, so curious is she found something.

d6stringer · Aug 8, 2019

EarlyGirl said:
Air conditioning (automatic system) does not seem to work lately on my 2011 RAV4 Limited V-6- just blows warm air - so have a few questions to see if I can resolve myself versus paying the dealer $115 just for the diagnostic.

You can certainly try.

* Is the air conditioning filter behind the glove box the same as what some call the cabin air filter? If so, mine has been replaced annually.

Yes it's the same thing. Sounds good.

* Are the air conditioning recharge kits sold in auto parts stores safe to use following instructions? If so, any particular brand recommended?

As long as you follow the instructions, yes. If you're low on refrigerant though, you've likely got a leak which could either be no big deal or a real hassle. Generally speaking the "stop leak" stuff doesn't work at all. If it's a small leak however you might only have to recharge every summer or even longer. Could be worth a shot.

* Have not checked related fuses, but figured the dash would show me something if one went out?

I doubt that the dash would show you anything. Is your compressor clicking on? Is the fan blowing? If so i'd move electrical issues down the list.

* Not sure if coincidental, but hit a wild turkey few months back which damaged (broke a little plastic and has to realign insignia) my center front grill.

Could be the source of your leak. As other(s) mentioned that's where your condenser is.

* Aside from checking for complete system leaks, anything else one might suggest to look into?

I've seen where mice build a nest or store up food in the blower which basically makes it useless. The evaporator freezes over pretty quick and it'll blow warm but blow weak. How's the blower feel?

@2011rav4 · Aug 8, 2019

Doesn't the auto AC have diagnostics built in?

Automatic Climate Control (Limited) diagnostic test

This procedure will test all servos, vents and dampers in the auto climate control system. Any errors will display as 2-digit codes, which can be found in the service manual: CHECK MODE PROCEDURE 1. PANEL DIAGNOSIS (INDICATOR CHECK) (a) Turn the ignition switch to LOCK. (b) Turn the ignition...

www.rav4world.com

RonMN · Aug 13, 2019

@2011rav4 said:
Doesn't the auto AC have diagnostics built in?

Automatic Climate Control (Limited) diagnostic test

This procedure will test all servos, vents and dampers in the auto climate control system. Any errors will display as 2-digit codes, which can be found in the service manual: CHECK MODE PROCEDURE 1. PANEL DIAGNOSIS (INDICATOR CHECK) (a) Turn the ignition switch to LOCK. (b) Turn the ignition...

www.rav4world.com

This (the diagnostic test for auto AC) is great. Thanks for re-posting it.

korsah · Mar 3, 2021

Hello,
I have a 2015 Rav4. The mechanic say the AC compressor solenoid is faulty and hence it does not constantly blow cold air. He say I must replace the whole compressor unit.
I am asking, if its just the solenoid that is faulty, can't the solenoid be remove and a new one fixed. I have seen them being sold on Amazon so I do not see why I have to change the whole compressor

Bigphil555 · Mar 3, 2021

Welcome to the forum

If you can get a direct replacement part, it is possible to change them I believe

@2011rav4 · Mar 3, 2021

korsah said:
Hello,
I have a 2015 Rav4. The mechanic say the AC compressor solenoid is faulty and hence it does not constantly blow cold air. He say I must replace the whole compressor unit.
I am asking, if its just the solenoid that is faulty, can't the solenoid be remove and a new one fixed. I have seen them being sold on Amazon so I do not see why I have to change the whole compressor

Sounds like this guy had the same problem. He couldn't get the solenoid out

korsah · Mar 3, 2021

@2011rav4 said:
Is the compressor the same as the 4.3 models?

Do you have Techstream

I have no idea. Its a clutchless ac compressor on a 2015 rav4.

@2011rav4 · Mar 3, 2021

korsah said:
I have no idea. Its a clutchless ac compressor on a 2015 rav4.

Read my post again . I edited it. With a video that seems to have the same Problem as yours.

korsah · Mar 3, 2021

korsah said:
I have no idea. Its a clutchless ac compressor on a 2015 rav4.

Is there a means I can find out the type of compressor?

korsah · Mar 4, 2021

korsah said:
I have no idea. Its a clutchless ac compressor on a 2015 rav4.

Is there a means I can find out the type of compressor

@2011rav4 · Mar 4, 2021

korsah said:
Is there a means I can find out the type of compressor?

I know it's not the same one as the 4.3 models have. I see you don't come from the US so you would need to check online for the part number if your compressor it might be different

Air Conditioning Questions

EarlyGirl

@2011rav4

Toyota RAV4 (XA40) 2013-2018 Service Manual: Air conditioning system (for automatic air conditioning system) - Air conditioning

2003Rav4Lover

@2011rav4

Auto A/C Problem

RonMN

@2011rav4

RonMN

d6stringer

@2011rav4

Automatic Climate Control (Limited) diagnostic test

RonMN

Automatic Climate Control (Limited) diagnostic test

korsah

Bigphil555

@2011rav4

korsah

@2011rav4

korsah

korsah

@2011rav4

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