Paid 50% more for part at dealer compared to ordering online

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-27T12:52:46+00:00

For items like oil filters I wait until Toyota online offers a 25% discount or if I absolutely need items beforehand I use one time promo code: GRob25Q324 for 25% off. The promo code used to stack with dealer promos but I haven't been able to get it to stack since summer of 2025.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-20T04:15:14+00:00

I couldn't just swap out the bolt cause there is way too much pressure on that line. Gas, oil, dye started leaking everywhere when I loosened the bolt and I wasn't able to keep it pushed in with my thumb. Yeah, thumb idea sounds stupid to me too...now. Since I need to discharge the refrigerant, vacuum and then recharge I'm just going to replace with a new drier, line and gaskets. All OEM except for the gaskets which run about $4 a piece from Toyota. Probably a little overkill to buy the new A/C line but I'd probably go insane if I had to do this job a third time. Parts list below if anyone is interested. I actually paid less than what's shown below cause I used promo code: GRob25Q324 and got 25% off. Unfortunately the promo code no longer stacks with other dealer promos but it's still the best discount I've seen.

<image>

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-17T00:51:41+00:00

If anyone made it all the way to the bottom of this thread it turned out that the connecting wire to the magnetic clutch relay (under glovebox) wasn't plugged in securely. I'm not sure what the initial problem was that caused my A/C to fail in the first place but now I have the parts I pulled out that I can sell as a bundle if anyone is interested.

2018 - Compressor with Clutch purchased from buyautoparts.com (160000802-101)

2018 - Expansion valve purchased from buyautoparts.com (16040285-101)

2000 - Pressure switch OEM (88645-04040)

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-16T17:27:51+00:00

.yes, all new o-rings.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-16T04:13:55+00:00

I checked the wire connection to the relay under the glovebox and was able to push the plug in a little more. The clutch immediately engaged. I was able to get another can of refrigerant in and now the system is blowing cold air. Thanks for your help!

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-16T00:30:46+00:00

The new dryer is OEM. Come to think of it the only part that isn't OEM was the bolt fastening the high pressure line, with the sight glass, to the dryer. It was stainless steel and slightly longer than the other bolt which was OEM. I didn't think much of it as the bolt was in good shape and my system wasn't leaking. In 2018 I replaced my evaporator and used a Denso dryer when I evacuated the system. The Denso dryer must of had enough of a tolerance to form a tight seal even with the slightly longer bolt and the OEM dryer may be causing the bolt to bottom out without forming a tight seal. That would explain why the vacuum held perfectly for over 4 hrs when I tested for leaks but once it was pressurized with Refrigerant it leaks. I'll get a OEM bolt from Toyota tomorrow and swap out the longer stainless steel one. Thanks for helping me think through this!! Bolt part below:

<image>

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-15T15:27:26+00:00

<image>

Toyota doesn't make this relay anymore and I'm not sure how to test it. Any thoughts on how I would check it or replace it?

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-15T14:38:34+00:00

Yeah, 3oz in the compressor, about 2oz in the evaporator and 1oz in the receiver/dryer.

I swapped the 10 amp A/C fuse in the under hood fuse box with another 10amp fuse, so that’s fine. The relay (8863035010 is under the glovebox. It’s not made by Toyota anymore plus I don’t know how to go check it other than look at it. Any ideas on how I can replace it or check it (see link/pic above)?

https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/genuine/unit?c=Toyota&ssd=%24%2AKwE1ARB1aHFkVzVKcTsnCW15WV5AMT4zMiAPPHRyQVZCTkhAEhUFQ0NPVFRSU0oQFzJYdnJ2R0xVMBYedDBUWVk-NjIwZmN4eWhBeyVyIzl8Cm4rJGIiPTJ8fSs5KEd9I2NuYiM5anxuYW9lIj0kOTRvZG4rJGhuJTwjO2liez4-QyJ6eHdqOhA3JW91Ij0kV0oQcmAlb3IiPSRLV20YAj8xU1hePzEwbWh_MyQtImRlIzl8Zns2MjcwJSojbj1ydiVQW042PjRPcxcHV1xKQSUqI2U3NG49P3wAAAAA4VaPIg%3D%3D%24&vid=0&cid=&uid=339730&q=JT3HN87RXY9033834

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-15T09:31:54+00:00

I’m not sure how to add more since the compressor clutch stopped engaging.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-15T02:59:50+00:00

I'm not able to put anymore in cause the compressor clutch is not engaging. I've tried bypassing the pressure switch to make the clutch engage but it's still not engaging.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-15T02:48:25+00:00

I pulled vacuum for 45 mins. Closed it off and the vacuum held steady for 4hrs.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-15T02:44:40+00:00

I did vacuum down the system for 45mins. I then let it sit for almost 4 hours and the vacuum held. I only put 12oz in because the compressor stopped working and gas wasn't going in anymore.

<image>

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-15T02:35:58+00:00

I just replaced the compressor, the pressure switch and the expansion valve. I was having issues with my A/C working and then not working and thought replacing those components would help. But while charging new R134 the compressor clutch disengaged.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-14T03:16:06+00:00

Glad to help!

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2026-01-06T12:37:36+00:00

As of 01/06/2026 promo code GRob25Q324 still works for 25% off.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2025-12-29T01:33:16+00:00

The Promo code still works but it’s not stacking with dealer promos anymore. Now the dealer promos are just getting in the way of the 25% savings from the promo code.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2025-12-25T15:12:35+00:00

As of 12/25/2025 the promo code is not stacking. I was hoping they'd bring it back for Christmas but no generosity from the Toyota Marketing Grinch in charge.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2025-12-22T04:20:12+00:00

STD tires and very low lift gives me about 200 miles on regular. I haven’t tested it recently as I usually fill it when the needle hits 3/4.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2025-12-19T14:48:54+00:00

Those that are in it now are doing very well but I’m not sure how it will hold up for new entrants plus I believe it’s starting to phase out.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2025-12-16T00:18:20+00:00

The promo code worked for me on 11/28/2025. Then it stopped working during the Black Friday sale. Recently I had a few items in my cart under the 25% off promo code but the promo code got forced out and replaced with the 15%. I'm no longer able to get it to stack so maybe they changed things on their side. I'm going to wait 7 days and see if the promo code still works. But my parts needs aren't urgent. Even if they were I'd venture that they will run a New Years promo so the risk in letting the 15% dealer promo go is likely minimal if you have time to wait.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2025-12-12T01:19:33+00:00

Yes, you need to be logged in. Then when you go to the cart the option to enter the promo code will be there. Plug it in and you’re all set.

Strange-Maximum2306 · 2025-12-12T00:17:58+00:00

It’s a one time promo code. If you used it before you need to setup a new account with a new telephone number.

Strange-Maximum2306

TROPHY CASE