$90 A/C fix 2013 Toyota Sienna. No need for $2,000 repair, just changed compressor control valve

This will work on a lot of different cars... see link at the bottom of description.

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 toyota Sienna, a lot of other toyotas in that same timeframe and some Scions and BMW's as well!

This is how i fixed our 12 year old minivan's air conditioner. I was given given quotes from $1800-2500 for new compressor installed. I did some research and tried the compressor control valve for $55 and $26 dollars worth of R134a from o'reilly auto parts and it fixed the issue!

O'reilly's offered to let me borrow the gauges and the vacuum pump that is requried to do this job as well so there was no other cost for tools if you dont want to buy them yourself. I did buy snap ring pliers that were a complete waste, i ended up using a set of small picks that i bought at lowes a few months ago and they worked great to get the snap ring out after some frustrating moments... in the end it worked.

Here is the link to the part i used:

If you look at the details it lists all of the vehicles that use this control valve... there are a TON of vehicles that use it so be sure to check this before going for a whole new compressor!

[paulvoss]

This is one of the best and most informative videos about car repair that I have ever seen. If I have a comment it would be that you were more explicit about adding the indicator oil.

[jimmyaparicio]

2013 Toyota Sienna. Save so much money! I too went down the check list to confirm this is the issue. Compressor is working, no leaks, etc. Spot on with using the pics to remove the C-clip and then using the socket / bar to tap the solenoid back in flush. For me it cost $180 total. Did fine an Auto shop to remove and refill the same amount of Freon at no extra cost - 140. They were understanding and cool about my issue. Some other shops were not and gave quotes to diagnosed and then assume if the compressor needed to be replaced it would be around 1, 000 to 1, 500 here in Allen, Texas. Yes…I took a chance with Amazon at 40 bucks for the part but I got cool ass AC for the van. Thanks so much for your video and sacrificing your body. Hehe

[fpino]

Cool to see you work on another vehicle! Obviously the Ranger is cooler but any info that can help people work on their own cars is always a good thing.

[brandonobe]

SAVED ME!! Thank you so much!! The folks that helped me never seen this either.

[kirilchuk]

Hi hows the a/c, mine is blinking now ive tried to replace the control valve and so i though it was fixed but didn't so i bought new magnetic switch and it fixed it but now it very weak

[clockradio]

Thank you, this is a huge help for my Camry. Small tip, the thermometer you were using is designed for internal temp of food, not air temp.

[geraldsteigerwald]

I did not see you bleed the air out of line before opening low side to accept a charge ?

[trencher]

Really helpful. One question. When adding freon back are all valves open except for the high knob on next to the gauges? Both lows open and also the high down by the pipe?

[moetoknow]

So what about the oil that leaked out of the compressor did you refill it off camera

[rodrigogar]

ND oil 8 is the type of oil, not that it needs 8oz. Other than that very helpful video, going to change the valve on my 07 yaris.

[paperandmedals]

I’m grateful for so many DIY videos that have been made and have literally saved me $1, 000’s. This video isn’t one of them. 30 minutes is about 25 minutes longer than it needs to be. Lastly, no, R134a (tetrafluoroethane) is not bad for the ozone layer. This guy isn’t as smart as he thinks he is. This is not the 1980’s AC.

[YousifAldoori-vi]

I hope I get a reply on my issue.
I have 2011 sienna limited the ac system work not as good as it should be in the front.
and the rear ac does not work at all. I haven't checked anything yet
will you able to give me an advice? "
thanks in advance

[TheOriginalMichelene]

I’m trying to do this repair on my car and I can’t for the life of me get the valve to come out.

I used a a/c manifold to let the refrigerant out…no pressure is showing on the gauges.

I’ve removed the clip that holds the component in the compressor.

I’ve used penetrator around the component,

Used pliers on the housing with crazy force, and I still can’t get it out.

HALP. What could I be doing wrong? Also, is there a chance not to break it by taking the wire housing off exposing the valve piece and using my pliers to pull it out?

[robinarrington]

Should of used a Toyota OEM replacement part.otherwise great job!!

[alancox]

So how did you diagnose this part failure?

[charliesosa]

Question, why when I put the sienna for the part it says it doesn’t fit ? On oreilly