2011-2013 Toyota Sienna A/C flow sensor replacement

[@Nothandled]

Awesome help. I actually took my 2012 sienna to a mechanic last week, he diagnosed a compressor, saying my pressures were off , but refrigerant was okay. I just wasn’t convinced because I had air, just not cold air. So I kept searching and found your video. I’m super hopeful this is the problem. We ( my hubby) will give it a shot

[@itsaboutfam]

Hope it fixes your issue and for most it will. Unfortunately for me even after replacing the flow sensor the a/c wasn't pushing the cold air like it used to. I further diagnosed the issue and it pointed to a bad expansion valve. I am replacing it very soon and will post another video if it does. Definitely try the flow sensor though, they still tend to go bad and are relatively easy to fix. Yes most mechanics who think it's the a/c compressor and needs to be replaced don't realize it's just the flow sensor on these Toyotas that's the issue. Good luck🤞

[@DRob793]

Did it fix your issue @kristi Powell?

[@chrisreyes5673]

???

[@rahmath3305]

Wow. Thanks a lot. Your video helped me fix my Toyota Sienna van. I really appreciate your help and great explanation. Thanks. I have a very strong magnet and as I brought it close it clicked and the fan turned on. Then I put a small magnet the same like you have shown in the video and tested the ac. It works great now. Thanks for your help.🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@itsaboutfam]

I am happy to hear the video helped you out. Thank you for commenting 😎👍

[@rafaelquintanilla]

Worked for a 2014 Toyota Camry as well, exact same issue. Thank you for posting this tip!

[@itsaboutfam]

@@rafaelquintanilla Thanks for commenting and happy that the video helped you out!!😎👍

[@josephmessiha2960]

Great video! I have this problem with my 2011 Sienna. Thank you.

[@itsaboutfam]

You're welcome

[@JimmyMirabal1]

Great video! I have this problem with my 2011 Highlander, but I don't have any info on where the sensor is located. Tried to look for video tutorials in KZbin but haven't found any.

[@itsaboutfam]

It should be in the same location. I am not sure if your Highlander though used the same compressor though. You should be able to see by looking at the top of your AC compressor from the engine bay.

[@JimmyMirabal1]

@@itsaboutfam I'll check, thank you!

[@d.4tay549]

Should thermal paste be used between the new sensor and the old compressor?

[@itsaboutfam]

I did not and there are no signs there was any applied from the factory. The flow sensor is just a magnet.

[@kennethramirez1020]

How do I get it out if it is stuck? Broke the connector part to it too trying to pry it out

[@itsaboutfam]

@@kennethramirez1020 in the video I stated I had to remove the compressor to remove the valve.

[@gregh5787]

Thank you for the helpful vid. So, an OBDII code reader will tell me the sensor needs replacing? I just bought a code reader for other problems on my F150 but my wife's AC went out on the Sienna, what code will it throw? My compressor kicks on, fans cut on and i have good pressure on the AC line so it must be the sensor. $30 worth a try.

[@crash_test_dummy_1]

My RAV4 had the code B1479. The magnet trick works, but I have not replaced the sensor yet.

[@itsaboutfam]

I have read that it throws a code but ours didn't and honestly I saw this was a common issue so I just replaced it. It kinda improved but for our issue...it didn't totally solve it. It ended up being the pressure control valve being the issue which I did a video on.

[@sunpak1543]

How did you unplug the wire from the AC sensor. I did try to do on my Toyota RAV4 but it didn’t come out

[@itsaboutfam]

It's a tight fit but I used my hands. I am not sure how much space you have to deal with on a RAV4.

[@sunpak1543]

@@itsaboutfamis there a thing on a plug to press before you pull it out or you just pulled it out did wiggle it to pull out thanks

[@itsaboutfam]

@@sunpak1543 just a small locking tab like the other plugs in the engine bay.

[@PerformanceRacingGroupGarage]

Was your compressor still coming on with that switch bad

[@itsaboutfam]

Yes...my compressor would still cycle.

[@haochen6247]

I tested by adding a magnetic on top of sensor and the AC fan and compressor engage right away then I ordered this sensor. I installed it today and work magically well. The old one failed to remove so I had chip it into pieces. I notice that if you do not full insert this sensor all the way in, the AC wont turn on. Since it was so tight that i had to force sensor into the position, i didnt bother to put that metal clip ring back. Good video. I should have remove that big wire that was on the way which could have made my work easier.

[@itsaboutfam]

Awesome man! Glad the video helped!

[@lizbarrientos5028]

tengo una toyota sienna 2011 dejo de echar aire frio y el conpresor esta atibado cual pude ser la falla

[@matthewgreiner2596]

Are the part numbers the same for a ‘15 Sienna?

[@lovelife7902]

Do you have to unplug the negative battery cable to do this?

[@itsaboutfam]

I did not have to unplug the battery to replace the flow sensor.

[@dpd9581]

How does the electrical clip work?

[@itsaboutfam]

What do you mean?

[@medbaba1747]

Thank you for the video sir, I'll try it for my Toyota Camry 2014

[@jamesle4118]

Where can I order that flow sensor?

[@itsaboutfam]

I ordered mine from Amazon.com

[@jamesle4118]

@@itsaboutfam thank you!

[@jamesle4118]

Thank you for detail instructions

[@itsaboutfam]

You're welcome!

[@TheKing__]

Great video sir! Thank you Now how’s the A/C system been holding up after this video?

[@itsaboutfam]

Thanks and you're welcome! Well it's still not cooling like it used to. I replaced the flow sensor and expansion valve which was actually bad. My last resort is the electric pressure valve. I am hoping that is the main culprit and if not, I may have to look into a compressor.

[@theVRpilot]

@@itsaboutfamAny update? I’m in a similar situation. The whole system was recharged yesterday and it’s still blowing cool, at 65* at 6am. Which translates to sweating at noon.

[@itsaboutfam]

@@theVRpilot I posted a few weeks ago an update. Our A/C issues turned out to be a bad control valve. Here is the link to the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qF6rnJ96hLSjg7M

[@edwinruiz2889]

Do yo need to vacuum your freon?

[@itsaboutfam]

For this sensor...no you don't have to evacuate the system.

[@edwinruiz2889]

@@itsaboutfam thank you👍🏻

[@itsaboutfam]

@@edwinruiz2889 you're welcome

[@edwinruiz2889]

Any tip to take out the ring?iits a pian in the ass Lol

[@achap3604]

Does system need to be evacuated?

[@itsaboutfam]

To replace this flow sensor you don't need to evacuate the system.

[@TheKing__]

Hey where did you buy your snap ring pliers at? The ones I got are to big for that tiny snap ring. If you can help me out greatly appreciate. Just wanna know what brand pliers you got so I can swap this sensor out

[@itsaboutfam]

The snap ring pliers I used are from Harbor freight.

[@Wayneoun]

Good video I will attempt to do this on my 3rd gen see what happens. Although, 57 deg F in video it’s cool temp but not ice cold temp where normally it should be in the 40-45 deg range. Mine blows cool but not cold, did manifold gauge check and top off the low pressure side but still blows cool not cold. Will try this flow sensor and see what happens, otherwise could be expansion valve or condenser is my guess.

[@GuanacoSIVAR]

So?

[@josh1678gt]

I’m having the same issue no cold air coming out. A/c is filled perfectly both fans work and a/c clutch is working good too. Does this sound like the issue you were having?

[@itsaboutfam]

Air was not near as cool when it was working right. Replacing the flow sensor helped but after a couple days we are noticing it's not cooling as well. Going to diagnose more. Our clutch is engaging and fans are running so going to buy or borrow a legit set of HVAC gauges to check hi and low side pressure.

[@josh1678gt]

@@itsaboutfam thank you for the reply. Let me know what you find out please

[@itsaboutfam]

@@josh1678gt Update: Looks like the real culprit is a faulty expansion valve. I hooked up HVAC gauges and from the readings it looks to be a bad expansion valve. Bought a new Denso one and going to replace it soon and hopefully this solves the issue.

[@skylersutton2495]

Did the Expansion Valve solve the issue? My AC compressor belt snapped about a month ago and then I replaced it and then I was on my lunch break my AC was blowing Ice cold the first 15 mins and then Burning hot the last 15 mins. I put Freon in and it didn’t really do anything.

[@skylersutton2495]

And then it was blowing fine for a few days and then lukewarm to hot again.

[@bradstuart9840]

On E you get the snap ring off what motion is it to get the sensor out. Do you just pull up??

[@itsaboutfam]

You will have to wiggle it out while pulling up.

[@davidhosfield6915]

@@itsaboutfam Any other tips/tricks? Managed to get the clip off, but it's lodged in place. Sienna is 10 years old and it's in there good. Won't budge. Can't get it out.

[@fuhkoffandie]

Twisted a little bit rock it side to side it only move a little bit each way, when it loosens up a little bit then it just pulls right off as long as you have this c-clip removed

[@itsaboutfam]

@@davidhosfield6915 No trick other that moving it side to side to loosen it. It's a tight spot for sure. The only real way to create more room is to remove the fan assembly.

[@sudbury99]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@itsaboutfam]

You're welcome 😎

[@fuhuxia9432]

Yep! stick a magnet there and the compressor is running right away. Have to make sure it is the right polarize side, the other size did nothing. My magnet is kind of too big, can you show the amazon page where you got your magnet?

[@itsaboutfam]

I went to get the link on Amazon and it's no longer available. Just search for a Neodymium magnet.. its stronger than a regular magnet. It's a good temporary bandaid to the issue....but ultimately you want to replace the flow sensor.

[@fuhuxia9432]

@@itsaboutfam I got the dorman flow sensor today. hooked it up with the wire. Ac is working. But there is no way to get the old one out. So the new one justbhangs there like a usn dongle. I doubt there is anything fancy in the new one. Maybe just a jumper connecting the wires.

[@itsaboutfam]

@@fuhuxia9432 Did you remove the snap ring that's holding the flow sensor to the compressor? If you did...you will have to maybe wiggle it loose.

[@fuhuxia9432]

@@itsaboutfam I did. I wiggled and I giggled. Eventually I used long flat head and hammer trying to break it apart but still it stuck there. Maybe I will get a longer pointy chisel next time.

[@fuhuxia9432]

@@itsaboutfam from this video it shows I was right. The aftermarket flow sensor stays a consistent reading, regardless where it is being placed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKjHhY1tiMytpc0

[@kevincawann]

Was the flow sensor the issue ??

[@ijgorbun]

Not for me.. But I spent all that time and money changing it..

[@DRob793]

We just took our 2011 Toyota Sienna in because same thing it isn’t blowing cold air. They said it’s the front left actuator and it would be $1600 to fix. After seeing this video I am hoping this sensor is all it is.

[@itsaboutfam]

IMO that doesn't make sense. Siennas have dual climate control so one side should be getting cold air if it was an actuator ...I could be wrong but to my knowledge that's what I think. Now as far as the cool air...have you or a HVAC auto tech actually hook up some gauges to see what pressures you're getting on your high and low side. That can pretty much diagnose most a/c issues. I have replaced the flow sensor and the expansion valve and my ac kinda improved. HVAC gauges show that my compressor is working correctly. My last ditch effort is the pressure control valve. Toyota doesn't sell it separately....I got an aftermarket one. It's some weird that these Toyota compressors have and have been the culprit of Sienna a/s issues also I am going to replace it soon and I should have a video on that when I do. I really hope this finally fixes the issue with our a/c on our Sienna.

[@DRob793]

@@itsaboutfam I have not taken it to a HVAC auto tech yet. Just to a normal mechanic shop. I am going to call around and get a couple more opinions. We are getting no cold air on either side of the vehicle. Well it feels cool if it is below like 75 degrees out. Our 2011 sienna only has 80k miles on it but we have had nothing but issues with it since we bought it with 25k miles.

[@itsaboutfam]

Definitely take it to a place that can diagnose HVAC issues with proper HVAC gauges. You could just be low on refrigerant or something more involved. Hope you find the issues though. Summer is going to be rough without AC.

[@BlakeryBob03]

Thanks for the video. How hard would it be to remove just the passenger's side cooling fan? Seems like 4 bolts and an electrical connector and you'd have tons of room. Just a thought.

[@itsaboutfam]

Probably could of... definitely something to consider if someone was to replace their compressor.

[@BlakeryBob03]

@@itsaboutfam I just replaced my sensors a few weekends ago. The fan is one complete unit. It was a pain to get into the area of this sensor, but a few hours later, she’s blowing ice cubes! Thank you!

[@josecamacho2429]

I change the air flow sensor but there’s no cold air,if someone knows the problem pls pls hit me

[@itsaboutfam]

I would suggest getting or having some with a set of HVAC gauges to hook up to your vehicle. Your high and low pressure gauge readings can pretty much tell you what may be going on with your A/C system. If your gauge readings look good...check this video out. I finally fixed the issue on our Sienna even after replacing the Flow sensor and my expansion valve which was bad. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qF6rnJ96hLSjg7M

[@coachBrandonF]

I replaced this since my air was blowing cold only intermittently. Now the AC does not work at all and just blowing warm air 🥵 - unfortunately now I have to take it to an automotive center and will cost me a whole lot of money!!

[@LloydArxcist]

Mines all rusted in place and now it's in pieces, if your snap ring pliers have an angled attachment, that's money