I'm posting this for a friend who had to have her 2003 Camry towed today. The mechanic (90 miles away) said at first it needed a new serpentine belt at $1000, which made me suspicious right off the bat. Now they are telling her it is actually the AC Compressor and quoted $600 to replace. My question is how does an AC Compressor keep a vehicle from driving? I don't know if it is seized, or whatever. I asked if they could bypass the compressor and they said they wanted $500 to do that. I'll get more info for her tonight, but I told her not to commit until I find out something. I'm hoping you can all enlighten me. I'm not familiar with Toyotas, but no other car I've worked on would be rendered undrivable by a bad AC unless the pulley seized or something.

Thanks in advance.

 

Toyota is no different then other makes of cars in bypassing the A/C. This unless the clutch is seized or some other issue prevents the clutch from idling (meaning disengaging the A/C compressor).

If possible ask your GF if the compressor area is making noise when A/C is off. Meaning is the clutch seized and or compressor failed. If all OK, then leave the A/C off, disconnect the wire to the clutch (caution the compressor also has a speed sensor), pull the magnetic clutch relay inside the relay box inside engine compartment, etc.

Unless the A/C clutch is seized or some other problem. Bypassing the A/C is not the best idea because you will need to move the unit out of the way to install a shorter belt. You can buy a shorter belt and remove the compressor if you want.

Replacing a bad compressor is expensive. Replacing a serpentine belt should not be expensive but may require a new tensioner.

Suggest your GF find another mechanic or if the car can be driven let you take a look.

 

Thanks, very much!

 

Glad to help.

 

The v belt (5 grooves) was $9 at autozone i dont have thr length or pn on hand. Don't let the mechanics screw you