QuestionDavid, Recently the outside air temperature indicator went blank and the blower shut off. The buttons still light up when pressed but nothing happens. Dealer told me I need a new amplifier, new damper plate, and new servo system, Said something about a technical service bulletin. Wants $1400 plus to fix it.
Sounds to me like a shotgun approach... I don't think he knows whats wrong so just wants to replace anything it could be.
Is the amplifier something I could put in myself? I am fairly skilled and have a basic set of tools. Could I maybe pick one up at an
auto wrecker?
AnswerAlrighty, so, I've done a bit of research for you. I have verified that there are three TSBs issued for the A/C system of the 1998 Toyota Avalon (Summary below). To get the full report, you'd have to pay for 'em and while I'm not sure, I THINK that you can read them for free if you use the NHTSA Item Numbers to search for 'em on Yahoo.
As far as getting the amplifier, it should be something you can take out if you were able to find a junked 98 Avalon somewhere. But, my advice to you is to invest into one of those EBay CDs that has a Toyota Service Manual. It's the perfect tool and WAY better than those vague Haynes/Chilton manuals or that other crap. I've tried to find you a free version online because we have plenty of Toyota loyalists who'll put the information out for free. The CLOSEST I could find is a download to the Camry (link below) from 2002+ and up (Gen 5) so maybe you can atleast see the Air amp in this car and get an idea of its feasability. The dealer is too lazy to get the exact problem nailed down and so would much rather just go from the expensive approach down. Try to get that Service manual off of EBay, that should help. You have an OBDII setup, so.. maybe one of those code scanners could work to see if your Avay's comp is throwing out any error codes.
If nothing else, take it to mechanic and get a second opinion. Maybe they'll nail it down for you and you can just DIY it instead of paying 1400 large to find the same problem persists.
To summarize all three:
6088663 - SUBJECT REGARDING AUTO A/C SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT. *TT
610043 - INFORMATION INTRODUCING A PRODUCTION CHANGE MAKE FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER AMPLIFIER. *TT
609180 - INFORMATION ON SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT FOR AUTO A/C AMPLIFIER. *TT (1999 model year also affected)
Service Manual Link: http://oregonstate.edu/~tongt/camry/index.html
URL - http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/tsbsearch.cfm
NHTSA Item Number:
6088663, 610043, and 609180.
HOPE THIS HELPS! Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.
