How to Troubleshoot a Toyota Corolla A/C

Air conditioning is a must-have option for many areas of the United States. Unfortunately, air conditioning malfunction usually happens during the summer, when the system is most needed. Toyota Corolla's have simple A/C systems and you can troubleshoot most potential problems on your own.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1
     

     Check the blower motor operation by switching between all power level settings on your fan control switch. Cycle through low, medium and high settings. If nothing is coming through your air conditioning vents, the blower motor has a malfunction and needs to be replaced.

   • 2
     

     Listen for your A/C compressor operation. Compressors are one of the most common problems with an A/C system. Have a friend watch the compressor while you switch the air on and off. The compressor should turn on and off with your fan control. The Corolla's air compressor is located on the passenger side of the engine bay. A non-functional compressor could be due to a worn belt. Inspect the drive belt operating the compressor.

   • 3
     

     Take your car to a service station to check the freon level. Freon is the coolant used to keep your A/C blowing cold. A special machine is needed to check freon level. If the freon is low or empty, ask the shop to install a dye in the system to find out if there is a leak. Freon line leaks are common and require patching or replacement. Low freon doesn't automatically mean you have a leak.

Tips & Warnings

• These problems are the most common A/C issues. If none help you determine the problem, consider taking the vehicle in to a service shop for internal system diagnostics. Some problems require advanced troubleshooting methods, such as computer diagnosis.