2011 Rav4 AC not working/ Blows hot air

@2011rav4 · Jul 28, 2018

DL175 said:
@2011RAV4 did you take pictures where this flow sensor was located ?

No I didn't take any pics. I was just trying to get it done!

Here's a couple of stock pics. I will try and take a couple tomorrow! It;s small the opening on the compressor is only about the size of a quarter! You just need to look for the connector !

JuneBug · Jul 29, 2018

@2011rav4 said:
No I didn't take any pics. I was just trying to get it done!

Here's a couple of stock pics. I will try and take a couple tomorrow! It;s small the opening on the compressor is only about the size of a quarter! You just need to look for the connector !

So you're saying this sensor can be replaced without discharging the system and losing the refrigerant?

@2011rav4 · Jul 29, 2018

JuneBug said:
So you're saying this sensor can be replaced without discharging the system and losing the refrigerant?

The Flow Sensor sits ON (not in) the Compressor so you don't have to Discharge the system to change it!

The problem is getting enough room to get at the sensor! I had the system evacuated before I did it so I also took out the condenser to change the Desiccant Drier and have clear access to the Compressor . After doing it I think I may have had enough room to get the sensor out with just taking out the Radiator / Fan combo and the Cross member support that has the hood latch(no need to take hood latch off support) and take out the battery hold down! Like I said I can't guarantee it will give you enough room but it's worth a try!

I would also recommend instead of taking the radiator hoses off at the the Bottom of the radiator you take them off at the engine side to make it easier to get at the Sensor! I used this radiator hose tool remover to loosen up the hose making it easier to break the suction to get them off!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Astro-Pneumatic-Hose-Removal-Hook-Set-AST9502/301969494?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CHC%7CD25T%7C25-31_GARAGE%2FAUTOMOTIVE%7CNA%7CNA%7c71700000037147756%7c58700004141485310%7c92700035285887579&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhorVw9HE3AIV1IqzCh1CZwhYEAQYAiABEgK1CvD_BwE&dclid=CLPF0cvRxNwCFZBCNwod_bAMOg

If you can actually get the sensor off without taking the condenser out then the cost of the job would be around $75 instead of the $1,000+ Toyota wants to charge for replacing the Compressor.

Sensor $50 Ebay

Antifreeze 2 Gallons $24 " Valvoline Asian Vehicle Antifreeze" at Walmart for $12

BTW I have the 4cyl engine . I believe the 6cyl engine uses a different Compressor!

Giorgi Batumi · Jun 30, 2019

Hello, I boughtb used toyota rav4 2,5 4 cyl, it had broken blow sensor and I have problems with wiring, I bought new wire cable and I am going to buy new blow sensor can you help me with wiring? it has 3 cables whit, black and red.
Thank you in advance

@2011rav4 · Jun 30, 2019

Giorgi Batumi said:
Hello, I boughtb used toyota rav4 2,5 4 cyl, it had broken blow sensor and I have problems with wiring, I bought new wire cable and I am going to buy new blow sensor can you help me with wiring? it has 3 cables whit, black and red.
Thank you in advance

Read this thread. Seems like the easiest way to fix it. Let us know how it goes

How I fixed my 2010 Rav4 AC for $40

My sister's AC stopped working and the dealer wanted over $1000 to replace the entire AC compressor. It turns out the AC flow sensor goes bad on these cars, not the entire pump. eBay sells aftermarket sensors for around $40. The website won't let me post the link so just google " rav4 AC flow...

www.rav4world.com

Oakcity · Jul 28, 2020

Hey y’all wanted to bump this thread or any other for that matter. I have a 2010 base and same issue and I have to say I plopped a magnet on the sensor and sure enough she’s blowing cold air. It’s been 100 plus in NC for weeks with no end in sight and I couldn’t be happier. I can’t believe this is the fix, a magnet lol but it’s a done deal. Thanks for everyone who posted about the magnet fix all over the place.

SoNic67 · Jul 28, 2020

That "magnet trick" will destroy the compressor. The proper fix is to replace that flow sensor for that compressor (I think it's TSE17C ?).

Oakcity · Jul 28, 2020

SoNic67 said:
That "magnet trick" will destroy the compressor. The proper fix is to replace that flow sensor.

Does anyone have a current link for a new sensor I saw somewhere pole were getting them off eBay?

Oakcity · Jul 28, 2020

SoNic67 said:
That "magnet trick" will destroy the compressor. The proper fix is to replace that flow sensor for that compressor (I think it's TSE17C ?).

Is this correct just pop the snap ring and put this new one in and plug it up?

Pardon Our Interruption...

www.ebay.com

SoNic67 · Jul 28, 2020

Yep. There will be no freon escaping, it's a magnetic sensor. And yes there is a C clip holding it - that needs to be squeezed out first.
Now, I am not sure if that's your exact compressor, it looks like it is. My V6 has a different one (without that flow sensor).

Oakcity · Jul 28, 2020

SoNic67 said:
Yep. There will be no freon escaping, it's a magnetic sensor. And yes there is a C clip holding it - that needs to be squeezed out first.
Now, I am not sure if that's your exact compressor, it looks like it is. My V6 has a different one (without that flow sensor).

How long am I good with the magnet? For a little bit? I ordered one bit I would like to drive around with AC now lol

DL175 · Jul 28, 2020

Oakcity said:
Is this correct just pop the snap ring and put this new one in and plug it up?

Pardon Our Interruption...

www.ebay.com

Read this thread where a member wrote steps to replace the flow sensor. He paid only $16 for his flow sensor which is a Denso.

@2011rav4 · Jul 29, 2020

Oakcity said:
How long am I good with the magnet? For a little bit? I ordered one bit I would like to drive around with AC now lol

You can find everything you need and a STEP BY STEP on the easiest way to do it on this thread

2009 RAV4 - AC intermittent

HI, I have 2009 Rav4, I bought it new. AC light on the knob is on but AC does not turn on. It's actually intermittent (1 out of 4 times it would turn on). The AC line pressure was very low so my mechanic filled it up. I have checked battery connector to make sure it's solid contact. No...

www.rav4world.com

picofarad · Aug 5, 2020

Had issues with AC not blowing cold air. Went to local Radiator/AC shop & after a service it was discovered i had self overcharged the system by 0.64lbs. system capacity is 0.99lbs. its easy to overcharge the system using DIY pressure gauges. AC works fine now.

mezabx · Aug 2, 2022

SoNic67 said:
Yep. There will be no freon escaping, it's a magnetic sensor. And yes there is a C clip holding it - that needs to be squeezed out first.
Now, I am not sure if that's your exact compressor, it looks like it is. My V6 has a different one (without that flow sensor).

SoNic67, I have 2007 Rav4 V6 with the same symptoms that have been repaired by replacing or putting a magnet next to the flow sensor. Since you say the V6 a/c compressor does not have a flow sensor, what is the solution for us V6 folks to solve this problem aside from replacing the compressor?

Sugarbritches13 · May 1, 2024

I tried to recharge my a/c just now and it won't charge. It is likes it blocked. Compressor don't sound like it kicking on

@2011rav4 · May 2, 2024

Sugarbritches13 said:
I tried to recharge my a/c just now and it won't charge. It is likes it blocked. Compressor don't sound like it kicking on

Do you have techstream. Was the ac working before you recharged it

2011 Rav4 AC not working/ Blows hot air

@2011rav4

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How I fixed my 2010 Rav4 AC for $40

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SoNic67

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2009 RAV4 - AC intermittent

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