Auto mech. help: changing a condenser?

Chiro75

Chiro75

Joined
Feb 4, 1999
Messages
5,786
A rock took out my 2001 Toyota RAV4 condenser last week. Evidently Toyota protects all of ther condensers with mesh screens from this type of damage, except on the RAV4. Bastids! I've seen quotes for around $800-$900 for the repair, yet I can order the part online for $150. My questions:

1) Is this swap out do-able by someone like me (better than average ability to follow instructions, some skills with tools, can change my own oil)?

2) If so, where can I find the step-by-steps for it?

3) Are special fluids, tools, accessories (hoses, o-rings, that type of thing) needed and if so, what?

Should I attempt this or live without it/leave it to a pro? Thanks in advance for any help!
 
I don't know where you can find instructions online. IMO, your best bet is to get a repair manual for the vehicle. You can get Haynes, or Chilton at auto parts stores, or maybe through online sources, but the best ones are the Toyota factory manuals, available direct from Toyota, or maybe a local dealer has them.

Toyota factory #1-800-331-4331. Tell them about your problem, you may find that it is covered by warranty that the dealers aren't telling you about.

For literature call,1-800-468-6968
 
Thanks for the intel, Mike! My dealer basically told me to f myself, so I called the 1-800 number you gave and they are researching it as we speak. I trust car dealerships about as far as I can throw them, which you get the idea. It's too bad that they have that rep!

Toyota had this to say after putting me on hold and creating a case #: your case is being forwarded to the customer relations manager at Such and Such car dealer and he'll be contacting you within three business days...

Since that's the car dealership that told me to forget it, obviously that's as far as that's going to go.

It seems like there is fluid in a condenser, no? If mine has a hole in, I have two questions:

1) Can the hole be patched or welded?
2) What type of fluid is required to refill a new condenser, and where does it go?

I'll have to see if anyone has a Chilton's on this thing. Thanks!
 
I just checked the procedure for an Acura Integra, but it should be fairly similiar for all vehicles. It does involve dischargin the A/C system, and charging it again once done. That seemed to be the hardest, or at least most technical part. Other than that it was basically pulling out the condensor, and radiator to gain access. It does require some A/C oil somewhere, I just took a real quick look.

I would think that the biggest part of the cost for having a dealer or mechanic do it would be labor. Depending on how much needs to be removed to gain access to the condensor it could be a time consuming job. Look into one of the repair manuals for the car, and see exactly what is involved. If it seems like something you could do you can always replace the part yourself and have the system charged somewhere.
 
I think my system is already discharged, since the condenser has a hole in it. Unfortunately manuals will not show you how to work on A/C equipment because if the special EPA licenses needed for it. So I'm out of luck in that department. Because oif that I don't even really know where to look for the condenser on my Rav4!
 
Most likely it is already discharged. As far as I know the condensor is almost always in front of the radiator, probably hidden unless you take the radiator out. Since it is a newer vehicle I would guess it uses R134a as a coolant, and that can be bought at most auto supply stores, or at least could be a bit back. They even had some kits to fill IIRC. But yes, it is a pain to work with these materials. I would probably just replace the condensor myself, then let a shop charge the system properly.

As I said before nothing involved looked all that difficult. And it would be pretty similair for most vehicles. I didn't mention that if you are going to need to take out the radiator, most likely you will, you will need to drain and refill that too.

HTH
 
you could just take it out and put a new one in.

Then spend $500 more to have a shop undo the sloppy work.....:rolleyes:


Get a 2nd opinion from a more reliable source before you start looking at doing it yourself. If it's still more over $500, then go for it. Get a manual and take your time to do it right.
 
Finding a factory manual is a toughie. I do have another possible option: a patient was dabbling with doing his own mechanic biz. Started a garage then went back to working 12 hour shifts for some $$$. I could call him and see if he'd trade labor for adjustments...that'd be the best option for me and him!
 
Go find a full service garage with a computer database on toyotas... (or ask a tech at the toyota dealer... 5 bucks is enough insentive...)

See if they can print out the instructions and diagrams.

Also, see if Chiltons/haynes has instructions on removing the radiator. If it requires removing the condensor... it may tell you how in that section. :D
 
Find yourself an automotive AC place to do the repair... you are giong to have to not only take out the old condensor and replace it, you will have to pull a vaccuum on the system to check for leaks as well as keep it on vaccuum for a period of time to get ANY moisture out of the lines before recharging and balancing freon levels... If it is NOT done right, expect to change out your coils as well as your compressor in 2-3 years or so, moisture+freon = hydrochloric acid... eats everything from the inside out..

I have a rider on my hvac/heat pump and EPA certifications, I would do it for you if you were closer...

Changing out the part is only a small amount of the work needed to do it right...

Remember even discharging a NON chlorinated flourocarbon like the freon that is in your cars unit, can result in a $10,000 fine!!!! Let the pro handle the freon!

Good luck!

Alan Folts
 
Thanks, Alan. I assume the white vapor that entered the car and went up our noses for about 5 seconds was the system discharging once the hole worked through! Yummy!
 
Get the new condenser, get a Chiltons or a Haynes manual, and change it yourself.

The radiator should come out fairly easily, and the condenser only has two hose fittins on it, as well as the mounts. Some are mounted to the radiators using nothing more than a one sided zip tie with grommets!

After you change the condenser, take it to a certified shop, and have them do exactly what Alan said. R-134A is the refrigerant your Toyota is using, and it is much cheaper than the old R-12, which hasn't been manufactured since 1995(?). At any rate, a pro with the proper equipment needs to recharge/ vacuum out your system after you replace the condenser.

Good luck.
 
I called all over the place to get this manual, half the guys at the auto stores couldn't even get it to come up on their computers (duh) and guess where I found it, on the shelf, waiting for my grubby little hands? The public library one block away! Anyway, they all say they don't have condenser instructions because of blah blah regulations, but if you look in the radiator section as was recommended there are instructions for popping it out. Tricky!

I have to take the grille and bumper off the front to get at it, but it doesn't seem all that tough. A tougher job will be making sure I order the right part. Anyone know how to find out the exact type of condenser I currently have to order the rigght thing online?
 
Okay, here's a general question for you: why the difference in pricing on parts? I looked up replacing the OEM condenser on two websites that quoted the original price as $586 and the "savings" price as $487.

Another website (www.tautobodyparts.com) quoted the OEM price as $364 and their price as $147. So, what's the difference between the $487 part and the $147 part, and which should I use if I decide to do this on my own?
 
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