Truck idles high, A/C blows warm in stop & go traffic - what is wrong?

Question

I have an 89 Toyota pickup, 4 cyl, and I live in Phoenix where it gets really hot in summer and stays that way into the fall. I have an hour long commute home from work that is almost all bumper to bumper traffic - lots of stopping and idling. This past summer, I couldn't use my air conditioner because it would cause the engine temp gauge to go way up and the air blowing out was hot. However, during the last part of my daily trek, I drive on a relatively clear stretch of road for several miles - the temp gauge will go down and the air will start getting cold again.

What do I need to have a mechanic check? The A/C does work as long as I am moving.

If I were low on freon, I think it wouldn't blow frigid air at all - it only blows warm when I sit in traffic, at regular speeds, it's cold as ice.

Answer 1

If your engine is overheating and the AC is not working properly in stop and go traffic the obvious cause is poor airflow through the radiator and ac condenser (mounted in front of the radiator). The Toys use a thermostatic controlled fluid coupled cooling fan clutch that should provide adequate cooling when using the air in traffic. They do go bad so have it checked, more than likely it has to be the problem since you're getting adequate cooling and the AC works fine at highway speeds.

Answer 2

sounds like you are low on freon, you can buy a kit to recharge the freon but you do need to have some understanding of the A/C system. You could ruin the compressor if you overcharged it and you could possibly injure yourself if not carefull when doing this task.

educate yourself a little before you jump into this repair.
http://www.id-usa.com/how_to_faqs_recharging.asp

Answer 3

Check refrigarant maybe a recharge will do as far as idling fast wd-40 your exposed linkage under hood, maybe dirty add injector cleaner to gas, there is idle addjustment not sure on toyatos? check Autozone website more answers maybe? also check fan to a/c unit under hood near where it enters cab does it have rattling noise that might be going out(stopping) once again refer to Autozone website they have helpful answers...