Intermittent A/C problem from hell

I have been fighting this for 5 yrs now, and I would really appreciate any help. 06 Tacoma pre-runner 4.0 v6. My A/C compressor keeps turning off randomly. I mean randomly too, sometimes A/C works (5 sec - 30 min) then compressor shuts off. A/C light starts blinking, blower is still running but is no longer pushing cold air. Sometimes it works if I shut it all (fan speed, a/c button, circulate button) down and start it back up again. Sometimes it will just blow cold air for 2 seconds and shut off again. There is no pattern to it, accept it seems to not like it when the truck is idling. It shuts off more then, but it shuts off while rolling down the road as well. I'm lost, so any help would be much appreciated.

 

I’d start here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-c-light-blinking-troubleshooting-guide.440200/

Good luck

 

TnShooter Thank you for your reply. I will give it a look.
UPDATE: HAHAHA I just finished reading that thread before I posted my question.

 

Sounds like it could be a connection that is making/breaking contact.

Suggest to run down all the connections for the A/C system. Checking for loose, corroded, bare connections.

Intermittent issues are the most difficult to hunt down for repair.

 

usually this is a sign of a failing compressor, but usually this would not continue for 5 years! Step one would be to check the voltage at the compressor during a shutdown and see if you have 12V there.

 

I totally agree with you there. If the compressor has any abnormal resistance, it will shut down. But for it to happen for 5 years? Yeah no lol

 

how do refrigerant pressures look.

 

Seems like a good place to start.

I would think all the problems listed could intermittently manifest.

I’d sequentially go through the steps in that first post- don’t get rattled by looking at all that could be wrong. Take notes of what you do.

Good luck.

 

Give us gauge pressure readings, it will help. Does system have a full charge?

 

Identical issues Compressor sensor pickup for the win!

 

Hey everyone, sorry for the delayed response, life gets in the way. So I tested the Magnetic clutch relay and it is fine. I then replaced the compressor pick up sensor, but it didn't fix the issue. So if anyone wants to buy a brand-new pick up sensor, I know where you can find one cheaper than you can get it online, LOL. My system is fully charged (took it in to have them test and refill). So I guess my next move is to start swapping out one part at a time. I was thinking next I will trace out all the ground's, but I will be honest I am not a mechanic so any help telling me where to find the wires I need to check and what not would be greatly appreciated.. Thank you for all the help I have received so far, I truly mean that.

 

I don't know if this will help any of you in your diagnosis but in the morning when I turn the truck on and it idols up until I have driven it a half mile or so the A/C light immediately starts blinking and will not work. After I am driving at a good pace 35mph and up for a minute or two the A/C will stay on. How long it stays on will vary but my A/C does not like it when my truck is idling. I know that.

 

Have you inspected the AC Clutch. They are known to be rather poopie and if it is slipping or not engaging well...

 

Hook up a meter across the pressure switch, check the connection downstream where it comes into the amplifier to try and see if maybe the connector is loose or the switch is cutting out early.

 

Check to see if the radiator hose is hitting the drive belt. Radiator hose runs from thermostat housing to lower corner of radiator. The part where it rubs on the belt is right next to the compressor, enough rubbing can cause the drive belt to slow down. Compressor will think it’s locking up and shut off on its own. Everything test will test normal. The fix would be to trim down the hose on the radiator side about an inch to 2 inches, then I would zip tie the house to two nearby coolant hoses that run down the side of the radiator.