tdi200

Howdy,
i am extremely sorry for hijacking this thread instead of opening new one as this thread is already on point and got expert opinions going on that leads to resolution i again appologize as i have been seeking for answer for last 3 months atleast.

I just joined this forum seeking for help (i am active member in toyota nation as well under same user name), i am Toyota owner so Lexus is also considered a part of my family crew!

Anyways back to the point, i have a 2014 Camry LE and i am facing the same problem i.e no more cold air blowing , to be noted the car was parked in garage during winter for 3 months (yea i love my camry i dont drive her during winter LOL) as soon as i noticed the AC was not functioning i decided to take it to toyota dealer, at first they told me its the AC amplifier Part # 88650-06670 is not working and told me to change it which i did bought it from "ToyotaOfCoolSprings" for $336.90 shipped and they charged me 110 to install. And that did not fix the problem now they telling me i need to buy new compressor part number "88310-0R014" quoted me around $821.08 after tax + $385.00 in labor plus recharge ac system of $159.95=..total $1366.03
but i can get one from ToyotaOfCoolSprings ( https://parts.toyotaofcoolsprings.com ) for $488.30 shipped.

Dealership never mentioned about AC error code i never knew about it until i saw this thread all they told me is since the amp is working and is sending signal to the compressor but the compressor is not turning on i would assume its same situation as described here.

latest techstream cable is available on ebay used to be sold for 59.99 from the same seller now he bumped upto $159.99 wonder why link below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINI-VCI-J25...-/231927605064

tn7con

You shouldn't spend that much ... i paid less than $20 from usa seller, search for ebay item #182462130797

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Mini-VCI-Diagnostic-Tool-Cable-Scanner-4-1996-2015-Toyota-Lexus-Scion-TIS-J2534-/182462130797

tdi200

Firmware Version: 1.4.0
vs
Firmware v2.0.4

the link you provided is Firmware Version: 1.4.0 which is considered to extremely slow compared to the new one Firmware v2.0.4 that supports windows 7 and up 64bit

H0P

Did you check to see if possibly some refrigerant leaked out while it sat in the garage? If the ambient pressure is too low the compressor won't come on.

tdi200

I am sorry I forgot to mention, when I took the car to the dealer they told me refrigerant is still there so it was not low

tn7con

I jumped to ToyotaNation forum, read your AC not working thread there to understand more of your issue. My suggestion is to get Techstream sw, install it and try to see if you have DTC B1479 set for your '14 Camry, then you should be more informed to make decision. If indeed your car has DTC B1479, you can either:
1) replace the AC compressor (most expensive), or
2) replace the AC Flow sensor (~$65 on ebay) then recharge the system, or
3) build the flow booster circuit mentioned here.

tdi200

TN7CON,
Thank you so much for taking your time and review my issue at toyotanation, my gut feeling says about DTC B1479 being there in the error code.
option 2 seems good but i have read somewhere that these kind of compressor tend to die if driven with refrigerant so changing ac flow sensor will have to be done at the shop
option 3 seems the best in my bet but i am not that tech savvy specially talking about physics and ohms law unless you build one for me! (of course will pay for your time)

mitserolf

tdi,, your car is 2014,, did you lose all your 3 year bumper to bumper toyota warranty?

tdi200

yes I never took the bumper to bumper nor extended warranty

mitserolf

double check again with Toyota,, even if you didnt buy it new,, the 3 year /36,ooo kms bumper to bumper is transferrable i think, just make sure your car falls within the range .
If exceeded by a month or few kms,, call /write Toyota USA they can probably make arrangement with them. Good Luck. WOuldnt hurt to try.

tdi200

Thanks for suggestion, I am around 42k miles I will call them sometime on Monday, you are right it wouldn't hurt to try.

tdi200

its confirmed my camry has DTC B1479 error code, i just came back from the dealer they there were not too cooperative with me plus they had that mean look when i said why not change the sensor only they were like no we cant do that its toyota policy to change the compressor and they refused me to talk with the tech the manager had to talk to me and i asked if i can know the voltage of the sensor when off and he told me he cant do that the only thing they can give me is the error code.

i believe to tackle this problem will be building a circuit but not sure what are the voltage on that sensor when ac is off help needed

tn7con

2012-2013 Camry TSB 0084-13 may also apply to your 2014 Camry since 2012-2014 Camry's are the same ... According to this TSB, DTC B1479 is set if the Flow Sensor return voltage is below 3.7v. The Flow Sensor return voltage needs to be above 3.7v for the AC Compressor to kick in .... (Note: the DTC B1479 code for Lexus RX350 is set if the Flow Sensor return voltage is below 3.8v ....)

To measure the flow sensor return voltage, locate the AC amplifier (usually on passenger side behind the glove compartment on the firewall) and measure it there ... you will have to search the internet for the AC amplifier's I77 connector Pin-out to know where Pin 1 starts (Pin 7= flow sensor return, Pin 13=ground, Pin 30=5v reference/sending). If you don't but are handy with a digital Volt Meter, you could find out easily

tdi200

Thanks buddy you are totally on point i really appreciate your help, i will have my buddy who deals with vehicles alarm system and other electronics relating to vehicles can easily tackle this wish i had the techstream software things would have been better, did i mention that i already have the OEM compressor bought half the price from what the dealer was charging me, if the circuit attempt fails i was thinking swapping the sensor but not sure if any shop would do that plus i think this sensor will be an on going issue anyways i have linked the picture of the exact amplifier i have in the car as it was replaced the first time i took the dealer addressing my issue part number: 88650-06670

https://ahparts.com/watermark/1/item...0/DSC07989.JPG

mitserolf

I am one happy person , today i had my RX350 AC cold air back and running again. Thanks so much to TN7CON who helped me so much. Wow what a smart, kind, professional but humble one. Indeed I didnt have to go back to Lexus and taken advantage of again had i went along with their repair. Not only they ll dismantle my car for 6 hrs and who knows what other suprises they will tell me thats wrong, and potential future problems unknown when "check Service engine" lights come on. We do have some really intelligent and helpful people here on the forums who gives and recommends smart poi and im lucky and thankful i came to this forum. Thanks also to the thread starter. Now to TN7CON i can say youre one special smart one. Thanks again.