On-Vehicle Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota Sequoia. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect for leakage of refrigerant :
1. Remove the console box assembly.
2. Remove the glove compartment door.
3. Remove the lower No. 2 finish panel.
4. Remove the heater to register duct No. 4.
5. Remove the lower left side finish panel.
6. Remove the lower cover . See Fig 1.
7. Remove the blower controller.
  1. Disconnect the connector.
  2. Remove the 2 screws and blower motor linear controller.
8. Using a gas leak detector, check for leakage.
  If there is leakage, check the tightening torque at the joints or check the evaporator.
9. Install the blower motor linear controller with the 2 screws.
10. Install the lower cover.
11. Install the lower left side finish panel.
12. Install the lower No.2 finish panel.
13. Install the glove compartment door .
Fig 1: Locating Lower Blower Cover Screws
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT EXPANSION VALVE
1. Set on manifold gauge set.
2. Run engine.
3. Check quantity of gas with sight glass in refrigeration cycle.
  1. Run the engine at 1,500 rpm for at least 5 minutes.
  2. Then check that the high pressure reading is 1.37 - 1.57 Mpa (14 - 16 kgm/cm² , 199 - 288 psi).
4. Check expansion valve.
If the expansion valve is faulty, the low pressure reading will drop to 0 kPa (0 kgf/cm² , 0 psi).
Inspect thermistor resistance :
1. Disconnect the thermistor.
2. Measure resistance between terminals.
  Standard resistance: 1,500 +/- at 25°C (77°F) .
  
  If resistance is not as specified, replace the thermistor.
Fig 2: Locating Thermistor
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002