A/C compressor not working properly

TROYERBE

MEMBER
2008 TOYOTA SIENNA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

I have a really strange A/C question that I can't find an answer to anywhere.
If you could answer it, that would be awesome. I have the mini van listed above that had no A/C; so I replaced the compressor, condenser, and desiccant pack and had
the system professionally evacuated and charged. It worked for about a week
and stopped working again. The gauges don’t show a leak or a clog. The weird part is that when the compressor kicks on the low side doesn’t drop below 50-60 psi. The
high side doesn’t go over 140-150. On average the high sits around 135 and
the low is 75. This is on an 85 degree day in Texas. Mechanic thinks the new
compressor went bad. The only thing I didn’t do was empty the oil out of the
compressor and measure in the correct amount. Do you think I had too much
oil and ruined the new compressor? Do the gauges reflect a bad compressor?
How can I avoid this in the future? Any help you can offer would be amazing.
Thanks.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi,

At 85° F, the low side pressure should be around 45 to 55 psi, so that sounds normal. However the high side is too low. I would suspect to see that near 240 psi. Honestly, based on what was done, I suspect the compressor is the issue as well.

Here is a link that explains in general how to replace the compressor. I don't know if you plan to do it yourself or not. If you need specifics, let me know.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

Take care and if possible, let me know what is found.

Joe

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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 6:56 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Take a look at this diagram. I think it explains the issue pretty well. When you have high low side and low high side pressures, either the system is not charged properly or the compressor is the issue.

How much oil did you put in the system? Since you replaced all those other components, I would think it would not have too much oil. To answer your question, I doubt if there is too much oil, that it damaged the compressor. If anything I would think it no allow enough freon in causing a low charge.

I would suggest evacuating the system again and recharging it with the proper amount of freon and oil. Then retesting the pressures and system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

If this does not correct it, then the compressor is the most likely issue.

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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 7:03 PM

TROYERBE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for the replies. I have had the system professionally evacuated and filled to exact level on the sticker in the engine bay. As far as the oil, I assumed when they said that it was pre-oiled that it was the correct amount that I needed for the vehicle, which was my mistake. So, unfortunately, I'm not really sure how much oil was in it. It was a stupid mistake that I won't make again. I will order a replacement compressor and see how that goes. Not excited to spend another $300.00 and 8 hours replacing it again.

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Monday, May 25th, 2020 AT 8:47 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Since the low side is okay and the high side is low, I have a feeling the compressor is the issue. I'm not sure where you purchased it from, but since it was professionally charged, I would try to get a new one under warranty. It sounds to me like you were sold a bad one.

Let us know if we can help and I would try to get it replaced under warranty.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, May 25th, 2020 AT 8:15 PM