02 Camry AC gets warm at Stoplight

[Microman]

AC warm at IDLE. Radiator Fans may not be turning on at all

This is a 2002 4 Cylinder Camry XLE.

It gets cold when running down the highway, but at a stop , AC gets warm

I have replace the cabin filer. A couple of years ago, replaced the AC MAG Clutch Relay, when AC light was blinking.

But now when I feel the condenser in front of the radiator and it feels very hot, and the fans never seem to come on.

I can see the 3 Fan relays, and not sure where the ECT sensor is located, or whether that would be the problem.

Any ideas?

If the fans arent coming on at all, you would think the car would overheat?

Thanks

[Filliam H. Muffman]

If the clutch is turning, my guesses would be loose/slipping belt, and then low refrigerant charge, then a plugged radiator.

Back in the 80's and 90's, it used to be that a fair number of cars would not push/circulate enough refrigerant when the car was idling at 500 RPM. This is compounded when the charge is low. I would not expect it to be noticeable in a car newer than 00's except if the refrigerant was low.

[DRR]

First, check your coolant level. Then check the fans again. I don't know the fan setup in that particular car but if they're not turning that's a problem, especially if the AC condenser is on. I personally can't think of any AC system for a car or a home, that has fans OFF when the AC is on. The fan is a vital component to pull heat away and the AC system won't work properly without it. It may also explain why your AC is cold when driving but warm when idle - when driving, the natural airflow cools the condensor, so your AC is cold, when you're at idle, heat builds in the condensor and can't go anywhere and your AC can't work.

Also check fuses and switches and refrigerant level. If refrig level is ok then at least you don't have a leak in the system. Sounds like fans are probably your culprit though.

[DRR]

Also regarding your overheating question - I am not familiar with that engine, but do you have a large belt driven fan? Does that fan work? Are only the electric fans stopped?

If no fans are working at all, then yes, you should get that fixed ASAP. If your radiator can't scrub heat effectively then your coolant temps are going to be much higher than normal. That will not end well for your engine.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

I had skimmed the fan info a little too quickly. Engine coolant should be hot enough that you can only very lightly and quickly touch the radiator. If none of the fans come on in a few minutes on a hot day (80 F to 90 F) after the car has warmed up, it could be a sensor/electrical problem. If you have a mechanic at a dealer that you can consult, it would speed things up talking to someone that is a lot more familiar with the model.

Do you have a manual, or a link to a digital version?

If nobody here has a comparable model, you should try asking at a Toyota/Camry forum.
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/15-cam...ara-forum/
http://www.camryforums.com/forum/
http://us.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/fo...amry-club/#

[cbelt3]

Electrical fans. They do fail . Replacements around $150 plus skinned knuckles and cuss words to replace

[Microman]

Tested the motor on one of the two, with direct 12 volts to it, and it did not run.

Tested the disconnected cable that would be supplying voltage to that motor and it read 13+ volts. So I would think it was a bad motor, but I would like to see the voltage on that disconnected motor go to zero, or no motor running,

Guy suggested at parts place that sells the Two Motors, Fans, and Shield all as one unit for less than $100, that maybe the motor burned out because it was running all the time.

WHen should the electric motors not be receiving power?

I read somewhere that when car starts that both are on low speed, and Always on when AC is on. But do one or both ever turn off?

[RAMd®d]

WHen should the electric motors not be receiving power?

Somebody with the same or very similar make/model can better advise, but I'd *think* that when the engine is cold, such as first thing on a fairly cold morning, or on a freeway under light acceleration and load, coasting down hill at a good speed with no throttle, the fan wouldn't be on.

The fan on my bike doesn't come on until I'm running slow in stop and go traffic. I can hear easily hear it kick in.

A forum for your car or a shop manual might give you an exact range for the fan operation.

[RAMd®d]

Does your Camry have a temperature gauge?

I'd *guess* the fan would be off for most of the non-red range.

[cbelt3]

There is a thermostat for the fans as well