2013-2018 Rav4 A/C Condenser Replacement

In this video I bring you along as I replace the AC condenser in a 2016 Toyota Rav4. Not a terribly difficult job in my opinion. Make sure you have the refrigerant evacuated before starting and you should be a OK!
-Enjoy!

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[TheKoderius]

I often see cars with plastic wiggly bits come back from the mechanic all mangled up - Eric is so considerate and respectful that it`s a joy to watch.

[garyhill]

Thanks!, I just want to say, coming from a technician with over 40 years experience under my belt. I'm really impressed at your technical skills. Your approach to diagnosing electrical & mechanical issues. To see your wife and you working together in your business Reminds me of my family and ours. Our shop was mainly A/C and Radiators. In the later years I became strong in electrical diagnosis and repairs. Along with a complete tire center.. keep up the great job. Ps please stop showing all that food ya'll cook. It makes my mouth water every time ! Especially the smoked ribs. Lol

[lvsqcsl]

That car has 34, 000 miles on it and it needs an a/c condenser already? Wow! I would have thought Toyota would last longer. Great video!

[leninmi]

I love the new front license plate ❤️👍

[tomoakhill]

This is my favorite kind of South Main Auto video. No computer diagnostics. Just straight up nuts and bolts. I love these. I could watch Eric O do a brake job once-a-day. I love the ball-joint, the stabilizer bar bushings, the wheel baring videos, and the exhaust manifold videos. I would love to see big jobs such as new head gaskets, new rings, or drive shafts. Has there ever been a SMA video showing an engine replacement? I do understand the value of the "how to use problem codes" to diagnose the source of the problem. They are wonderful displays of how a Grand Master Mechanic thinks. But I like these nuts and bolts videos much better.

[freetolook]

Watched a video of a 1973 Cadillac crashing into a 2003 Cadillac.
The crash test dummy in the 2003 survived with what would be some broken bones.
The crash test dummy in the 1973 had its head taken off by the steering column, chest imploded by the column and knees crushed by the dash board. It died about three different ways.
You could see the frame buckle as it hit and the shock of the crash ripple the whole way through the car.
The other car was crunched in the front to the firewall but it absorbed all the shock of the crash.
Very telling video.

[markkrispin]

Mrs. O helping out and getting down and dirty with Mr. O. I love it!

[meatrocket]

I just want to say thank you for these videos 👍🏽
Since watching your YouTube videos, I’ve become brave enough to start working on my own cars.

[yomomma]

A/C condenser at 34000? About as bad as my dad's Tacoma needing a compressor replaced @ 41K. I love what you do for me Toyota!

[jeeprose]

I think I am right remembering that some other mechanics don't like how to DIY car repair channels. I helped someone yesterday who wanted to change the front breaks on a 2012 4Runner " With the big V8!" A tool box that could fix a bike. So got my Tools and jack. Breaker bar jack stands.

We had to use the jack handle on the breaker bar to remember the lug nuts. Someone went full gorilla with the air gun, because 4 feet of pipe was barely working and thank God there are 6 lugs per tire. I could not stop him from using all his weight and 4 feet of pipe putting the lugs back on. Thank God he wanted to rotate the tires. 3 YouTube videos on how to jack up a car. He agreed with me.

Showed him how to put a socket on the ratchet. Push the button. Had one stuck piston. 3 YouTube videos later he agreed to loosen the bleeder.

I am glad he's trying, but he doesn't need my help. YouTube ain't helping him unless you want to start with you need tools and how to use them and listen to the old guy helping!

[Apodalont]

Thank you my friend for working so hard making these videos. You've helped me and I'm sure countless other folks with diagnosis and repair. You're the man Eric!

[cardo]

Liking the new license plate. A departure from many other vids, a day in the life at a body shop, thought I was watching a post collision teardown.

[braaapattack]

I feel you on the “amazed it runs”. Think about how many times the crank, cams, and everything else has spun in 50-100-150k or more, you’re at a number that’s so high no one can even comprehend, and now today driving a car with 200-300k isn’t out of the question, 50 years ago you hit 100k it was remarkable, now 100k is “it’s broke already?!?!”

[johnschuler]

OMG ... In addition to your "Well-Balanced and Capable Skills" ... plus FINE DELIVERY and WORK ACUMEN AND ETHICS ... YOU ALSO have ...

... THE PATIENCE OF A SAINT !!!

I am so glad you have your own shop and can thus make these fine videos for all of us!

Aside: In an environment where complicated designs are fed into an also-complicated assembly system ... that is only the beginning of downstream repair challenges and nightmares. BTW ... when COMPLICATED SYSTEMS suffer a "bad ground" ... the complicated system (aka rule-following environment) immediately becomes a COMPLEX SYSTEM ... where no rules apply ... e.g. an ignition circuit getting its ground from a tail light wire, etc. THAT is why failures can be so "hairy" to track down. Only patience and "experiential logic" will prevail while random parts cannons will fail miserably and expensively.

The REAL MIRACLE of auto repair might me the rare occasion when a modern vehicle is repaired on-time, economically and reliably. (As in your shop, Eric)

THANK GOODNESS FOR SHOP OWNERS LIKE YOU ... and (e.g.) the Care Care Nut!, ,,
... and Scotty Kilmer in his own simplistic, but but helpful and entertaining way.

For us Toyota / Lexus owners you and very few others ... are a God-Send!.

BTW: I am glad that Google (in spite of all their crazy "over-rides and banishment of others") has developed the "monetary incentives" that "pay you" to do your videos for all of us ... and make you some money in the process.

BTW # 2: I chose your PayPal link to send you a few bucks.

In my own case as a DIYer and "Non-Mechanic", I spend HOURS at "YouTube University" before each of my own repair / maintenance challenges; because I am my own "Boss" in my own "Repair Garage", I am able to make decisions with no one to tell me otherwise.

Examples: At 112K on the clock I got a "Money Light" for Bank 1, Sensor 1 on my 2003 RX-300 ... yep extremely low miles on my lovely and near-pristine "Gussied-up Toyota Highlander" ... which I bought used a few years ago ... after a 1-Year search.

I bought both (new OEM) AFR Sensors and the single OEM O2 (downstream Bank 2, Sensor 2) .. and CHANGED ALL 3 on my vehicle on the same day. That way, I was able to do both the repair and preventive maintenance to fit my own patience and sanity (aka peace-of-mind) practice. Ditto both VVT Solenoids @ 114K with their little filters ... plus all 6 coils along with the plugs ... when I did the 120K service a little early.

Thanks again for all you do ... so often and so well ... for so many of us, Eric!
Warm Regards,
John in the NW

[dorightal]

Most times recently when I have a new problem on one of my cars, or one of my kids cars, I research your videos to see if you've dealt with it before. You've saved me a lot of trouble and expense! I've learned a lot along the way. Thanks!

[ilikewatchdoyou]

Love your channel. That plug with the wide housing goes to the cruise control radar that is located behind the Toyota emblem on the bumper. The radar monitors the vehicles distance in front of you. It was available in select 2016-2018 Rav4 models.

[feeshermann]

You are 100% correct about buying a Denso condenser. I bought a TYC brand because I wanted to save a few bucks. When installing it today on my 2015 RAV4 LE, I discovered that the 4 legs attached to the condenser were narrower than the OEM unit. I had to be "creative" in order to make it fit. Not Ideal!!! Thanks for your amazing videos...much appreciated!

[rhadden]

You are right on target with the engineering on modern cars, maybe too much dependence on computers but still more dependable and safe then ever before.

[PaulR]

Eric,
Great video and repair - thank you! Just a bit surprised that you didnt vacuum, charge, and test it _before_ you put all the front bits back on. But I guess you have the experience to know that it would be ok and I respect that.
Paul (in MA)

[DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

I learn something here every time - it simply never occurred to me that if an AC system has already discharged itself through a leak, that Joe Shadetree Wrenchbender could replace AC parts at home and then have a shop do the vacuum & recharge. Great tip.