Toyota Repair: 05 Tacoma A/C, schrader valve, mechanical solutions

Question
Ted,

I have the exact same issue as the person who wrote in around 5/29/2010 regarding the loss of Freon in the span of about 2 yrs.  I too have had Freon loss at a similar but slightly more aggressive rate.  I have also heard the 'breathing' sound from my vents.  That sound only happens when the Freon is getting low and shortly thereafter the vents on the passenger side get warmer over time.  I have taken the truck to the dealership twice.  The first time they found no leaks, but added die and charged the system and away I went.  The second time they found no leaks via die or sniffer but replaced a Schrader valve (I believe).  The problem has happened again.  My question is, how can it be one of the mechanical solutions you recommended in response to his question, if the system appears to work properly once fully charged?  I guess I would think it would mechanically fail whether fully charged or not.  Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer
I think in your case there is a small leak in the system and the dealer you are going to needs to address this not send you down the road after recharging and adding dye, there are some areas that are not visible to check for leaks inside the passenger compartment. If at the second time they found no leaks why was the valve replaced?