Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

jgcox6 on Wed May 29, 2013 11:49 AM

Year: 1998
Make: Toyota
Model: Camry
Engine Size: 2.2l
Refrigerant Type: 134
Ambient Temp: 80
Pressure Low: -24
Pressure High: 0
Country of Origin: United States

(1998 Toyota Camry)

My gauges show that I have a vacuum (-24 or so on the low side and 0 on the high side) to me that indicates a bad expansion valve..with that being said, when I went to hook up my gauges initially, there was no freon in the system. The system worked the day before fine, then it appears that the expansion valve hosed up.

So my question, is it possible that the freon was discharged via the compressor High pressure valve or something? The system doesn't show any signs of a leak anywhere...I am stumped over where the freon went?

mk378 on Wed May 29, 2013 4:46 PM

I wonder why it even engages like that. The pressure switch should have shut it down. Anyway if the compressor does engage with just atmospheric pressure (0 psig) in the system, you will see a negative low side.

jgcox6 on Fri May 31, 2013 11:26 AM

so to you think that I have misdiagnosed the problem? I was thinking it was an expansion valve issue...but it could because there was no freon in the system at all? I am confused then..and really mad that I might have tore into the dash to get to the expansion valve!!! ....good grief I hope not.

Any suggestions?

mk378 on Fri May 31, 2013 11:35 AM

When you have a system at 0 psi static, the first step is to find the leak.

Edited: Fri May 31, 2013 at 11:36 AM by mk378

jgcox6 on Wed June 05, 2013 1:31 PM

Well of course you guys were right about the freon...I wished I would have read the replies before i tore into my dash and replaced the expansion valve which is probably fine. I found out that the low side port metal line that goes to the drier had a hole rubbed in it from vibrations against the engine. So i have the displeasure of replacing that line which is a nightmare to get out...but have already aquired one from a junk yard for $5 since the cheapest one i can find is $156.00!!! I just have to remove the old one install the other one, vacuum down and fill the system...just before it gets real hot here in Memphis,tn.

Thanks for the input you guys gave....lesson learned here is to read the answer to the post BEFORE tearing into something..

Cussboy on Wed June 05, 2013 2:13 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: jgcox6
....lesson learned here is to read the answer to the post BEFORE tearing into something..

Lesson is to be patient, think and talk things through. Oftentimes the simplest explanation is the correct path.