A/C Problems - Need advice

[MCOjerry]

Ever since I had my accident, i have been having A/C issues. The condensor had to be replaced, and an aftermarket part was used. I tried to get genuine Toyota, but State Farm authorized it and by the time I found out it was too late to get it switched without costing quite a bit more. I was willing to pay the difference between Toyota and aftermarket.

However, I don't think the condenser is my problem and I think Toyota will think I'm crazy.

So, here goes...Prior to the accident, when the A/C was on recirculate, I always got a more forceful blast of air. In fact, the manual says that, for maximum cooling, you should do this. Well, ever since the repairs, it has completely switched and the force is much stronger when on fresh, and seems to be nothing but a trickle when on recirculate. This is annoying, since I need the extra cooling power of recirculate down here in Florida.

What do you guys think? Could they have possibly wired something incorrectly, or am I crazy?

The next time I take my car in for service, I'm going to address it, but I wanted to know what you guys think it could be. You all seem to know so much about cars, I thought I'd give it a shot.

Thanks!

[Down2TheC]

Maybe some calibration deal when hooking things up? The "brain" of the HVAC need to know when the door is open or shut to the outside intake. if the wrong doors are closing for the recirc you could end up with a fan fighting a closed air path. But I'd have to check the service manual to see if that's possible. Just spitballin'

[joebxr]

I would definately pursue the "hooked up wrong" avenue, as they have crossed something during the install.

[MCOjerry]

I would definately pursue the "hooked up wrong" avenue, as they have crossed something during the install.

I thought this was possible, but didn't want to sound totally stupid when I took it in. You know how dealers are.

[linmk2]

I would say there is a vacuum issue. Perhaps, during the accident, something got knocked loose or routed incorrectly. There may be a linkage problem (bent), again caused by the accident. The A/C control module may have been damaged somehow. I worked in auto dealerships for many years and have learned that some accidents that are classed as minor, in reality, are not so minor. I would look into the problem in more detail.

[MCOjerry]

I would say there is a vacuum issue. Perhaps, during the accident, something got knocked loose or routed incorrectly. There may be a linkage problem (bent), again caused by the accident. The A/C control module may have been damaged somehow. I worked in auto dealerships for many years and have learned that some accidents that are classed as minor, in reality, are not so minor. I would look into the problem in more detail.

Thank you for the suggestions to the problem. I'll mention them when I go to the dealership. The accident wasn't minor...Pretty much all the sheet metal on the front had to be replaced (hood, quarter panels), the headlights, radiator, a/c condensor, and all kinds of other stuff (basically everything in the very front of the engine compartment). I'm glad I didn't do any engine damage. Still purrs like a kitten (I know, some of you want yours to growl like a lion, but I'll take the kitten! )

I want Toyota to address it (their body shop made the repairs), because the last thing someone in Florida needs is a/c on the blink.

I really think something is just crossed...because it's weird how the force of the air is completely reversed from before.

[PXLpainter]

Accident? What happened?

Definitely make the dealer MAKE IT RIGHT for you!!

[MCOjerry]

Accident? What happened?

Definitely make the dealer MAKE IT RIGHT for you!!

OLD story...I had an accident in April...A/C is messed up since the repair...only really noticed it recently, since I usually drive with the top down, and it's been rainy lately...so top up, A/C on (sorta)