AC Troubleshoot - Condenser Leak?

Hi all - thanks in advance for any advice.

I got my '03 ~2 years ago, and sometime over last winter the AC stopped working. I've no idea how mechanically inclined I am, but suddenly my skimpy bank account is going to put it to the test now that the tires, brakes, exhaust and AC all need some simultaneous love

The 4runner came into my life with a very obvious condenser leak which I assume has now completely failed. I did some minor troubleshooting to see if there could be any other cause for the AC failure:

• Compressor still turns on when AC button is on.
• High and low pressure valves show lines are still pressurized.

Questions:
1. Would the system depressurize if the condenser was leaking?
I assume there's enough liquid still in the bottom of the condenser to 'seal' itself? And this is a good sign that there are no other leaks in the system.

2. My plan is to get the shop to evacuate the system and replace the condenser myself. Is there anything else I should do while I'm in there? I hear dryer replacement, anything else?

Will be looking to do some upgrades when I finally get this back into working condition so if you have any recommendations for good on/off road tires, LED headlights / Lightbars etc, please send a DM my way!

 

Do you have a shop near you that can inject UV dye into the system? We are chasing down a leak in my wife's GTI right now- similar symptoms to your 4R. They recharged the system and did the dye injection, but we haven't been back to check for leaks.

 

Yes, you have a leak. The oil in the refrigerant collects the dust and shows a leak way better than UV dye.

If the compressor turns with the A/C button on you still have some pressure/refrigerant in the system. An A/C shop can remove the refrigerant and you can replace the condenser yourself.

 

Thanks all. I made a good plan until a sheared screw ruined everything. Now needing to replace the tube assembly also.