1998 Toyota Corolla Bypass

LINDAB828

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

The AC stopped working on this car about a year ago. Recently started making a "gurgling" type sound when the car started up and while the car was running. Mechanic said it was the AC compressor (coming apart and the clutch was starting to go -states one unit). Compressor was replaced and the system recharged. Still no AC. Replaced blown fuse. Still no AC. More troubleshooting and they found that the AC transformer (?) Needed to be replaced (apparently it converts the voltage (?). Waiting for a price quote on the part and labor on that. This is a single belt system which also runs the alternator, power steering etc. My question is, can the AC system be bypassed such as with a smaller belt? We were told NO by the mechanic because of the type of set up with the AC on this vehicle. Is this true? I am now hearing from others that that is nonsense and that they can bypass it with a smaller belt.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Many times what they are saying is true. I looked up a schematic of the belt. Here is a picture of your set up:

The compressor is on the bottom right. Based on the picture, I would say it can be done. Also, call a parts store and ask if they have a pulley that will replace the AC compressor.

I find this really interesting because at one time, all cars from Japan came here without AC. It cost them more to ship to the USA if the car was worth more. As a result, if you wanted AC, it was installed by the dealer. I guess things have changed because I can't find a routing diagram without AC.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Thursday, August 19th, 2010 AT 11:02 PM

LINDAB828

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Joe
Thank you so much for your response. I did check with Autozone and they can order an AC Bypass Pulley kit (application) that would bypass the AC Compressor. I also checked with a local garage on this and they too found the same thing (part runs about $60). With labor (to remove compressor and install bracket, pulley & belt) total cost about $250.00. I am a bit dismayed with my dealership as they told me that it could NOT be bybassed which is why we authorized the install of the new AC compressor (otherwise we would have opted to have the bypass done). They said the clutch was starting to fail so of course we had to do something so my daughter would not get stranded somewhere. The AC still does not work after replacing the compressor and recharging system and needs an AC Transducer (?) To boot. Looks like I am going to have to go to the higher ups at the dealership on this one as the bill so far is about $750 not including the additional labor and part. Thanks again for your help and have a great weekend!
P.S. Due to the configuration of the belt you can not just bypass the ac pulley by using a smaller belt, hence the pulley kit. :-)

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Friday, August 20th, 2010 AT 1:20 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

I knew there had to be a bypass kit for it, but I couldn't find it last night. Regardless, let us know if you have questions in the future, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe

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Friday, August 20th, 2010 AT 10:57 PM