We have finally reached the 80's here in CO, been a chilly start to the summer. I set the AC all the way down to LO, face mode only, max fan and turned the rear off, at 81 degrees it wasn't keeping up. I have a '25 Tacoma Hybrid as well same trim level and it keeps up fine. Is this a 4Runner thing or do you think I have an actual issue with the AC?
Can't speak for the 4R but on my Ford F-150 with a manual system the computer still has partial control over the system. If it's not that hot (81 isn't that hot) I can't get the vent temperature to go lower than about 45, even on Max A/C. When I first bought it I thought it had weak A/C. But when the temp goes over 90 the vent temperature goes down to about 35, it actually has excellent air conditioning. To conserve fuel the computer reduces compressor output to where it thinks it's sufficient for the ambient temperature. When it's really hot it allows the compressor to run a max output.
Makes sense but my Tacoma isn't doing this, could be the smaller cab but the air coming out feels cooler. I'll continue to play with it and see if I can figure it out before taking it to the dealer. Of course, here in CO it's going to be rainy and high 60's low 70's the next few days.
So what I did lines up with this BUT like I said earlier the performance was not as good as my Tacoma. I turned the AC on by hitting the switch which illuminated a green light above and took it out of AUTO, Normal drive mode, temp to LO, rear seat vents off, fan all the way up. It did get better but only about 75% of the Tacoma.
Sounds like you may have an issue, and having your 2025 Tacoma to compare to is a pretty strong reference point. But it probably won't do much good to take it to a dealer until we hit the hotter parts of the summer. What would really help for taking it into the dealer is if you bought a thermometer to measure the air temp at the vents, on the same hot day, in your taco and 4runner, and could tell them you measured a difference; not just a feel.
Good point, that would also rule out if it's the smaller cabin of the Tacoma, I'll order one and report back.
If you are in Auto mode and have the temperature set to where you like it, does it feel right, like it's the proper temp? I was also wondering about the AC light and when it should be on and when not on, etc. and yes, the manual does not do a good job of explaining this but the bottom line is this: if you're in auto mode and the temperature feels appropriate for what it is set at, that is all that really matters, IMO anyways. I did learn that the S-Flow button should be lit up nearly all the time because I rarely have rear passengers and with that light lit, the AC is concentrated on just the front seats so no cold air is sent to the rear, but, the manual says, even with that button illuminated, if the truck detects that someone is setting in the backseat, the system "may" override and begin blowing cold air to the back. It "may" is what the manual says, kind of non-committal, right? Like, don't hold me to this if it does not, but if it does, well, good.
