Possible AC issues on the Corolla

[jsean]

Is the suction line cold?

It was today, when the ac ran great. Didn’t think to check it yesterday and the day before when it was struggling. Doh

 

[mk378]

When it is not cooling you need to pull over (leave the engine and the A/C on) open the hood to check if the compressor is actually spinning and if the suction line is cold.

If the suction line is cold there is a problem with the controls where the A/C and the heater start fighting each other. The heater will always win.

 

[jsean]

Is the ac clutch supposed to instantaneously engage when the AC is turned on?
If you look at the video in my OP, you can hear the roar of the cooling fan and then it’s a moment or two after which the compressor clutch kicks on.

 

[jsean]

When it is not cooling you need to pull over (leave the engine and the A/C on) open the hood to check if the compressor is actually spinning and if the suction line is cold.

If the suction line is cold there is a problem with the controls where the A/C and the heater start fighting each other. The heater will always win.

Good suggestion - I’ll keep this in mind the next time it happens. I did verify yesterday that the compressor was spinning but didn’t check the suction line.

 

[willbur]

this corolla ac system was kinda weak even when new

well, when we lived in super hot and humid Houston, we learned quickly what was good and that gen corolla was weak. Ppl there said the same and even here somewhere. What is "cold" for someone is barely adequate for someone else. Japanese cars were all weak in Houston back then

 

[jsean]

well, when we lived in super hot and humid Houston, we learned quickly what was good and that gen corolla was weak. Ppl there said the same and even here somewhere. What is "cold" for someone is barely adequate for someone else. Japanese cars were all weak in Houston back then

Well, there are always outliers. I can’t speak for the entirety of the E120 lineup, but I can speak for my vehicle. n=1 and what not.
43F measured in the Midwest or the South is 43F.
I’ve been in Houston and Austin a few summers with this Corolla and never had any qualms. Arizona last summer - again, wasn’t let down by the AC.

 

[Rand]

you dont want recirc on when testing vent temp.

you want to see the difference between ambient and vent temps.. which is harder if you are recirculating inside air.

 

[willbur]

Well, there are always outliers. I can’t speak for the entirety of the E120 lineup, but I can speak for my vehicle. n=1 and what not.
43F measured in the Midwest or the South is 43F.
I’ve been in Houston and Austin a few summers with this Corolla and never had any qualms. Arizona last summer - again, wasn’t let down by the AC.

Good for you. I sometime see in mid 30 to high 30's. 43 is ok