2008 AC install parts list

[CrankyOldMan]

Originally Posted by 06YarisRS

That would be the easiest solution undoubtedly. Most people would opt for this approach. I, on the other hand, would be interested enough to actually go through the process as a learning experience and have the satisfaction of doing it. But, I enjoy doing this stuff and I'm already equipped with the tools to do it. Many wouldn't relish the experience.

I agree with the "find one with AC" path, though I do appreciate the sentiment here. ;)

Having gone the other way and removed the AC system from my daily driver, you pretty much have to drop the engine to get the hard lines out of the engine bay. Your engine bay and cabin wire harnesses might not have the wiring for the AC compressor. If the climate control system inside the cabin doesn't have the radiator for the AC, you'll have to dismantle the entire dash board to get to it. That means pulling the A-pillars, steering wheel, steering column, radio/climate control area, speedometer, dash pad, dash bar, passenger air bag, dash wiring harnesses, etc. etc.

It's a LOT of work, even at a junk yard where half the parts have been pulled out already. Most of the wire harness connectors can't be removed without damage, same with the A-pillar clips if you have side-impact curtain airbags. Unless you're in a position to have the car torn apart for an extended period of time and have priced out everything that you need, you're almost certainly better off by just getting a different one. That said, we're always happy to have someone try something crazy and share it with the community!

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by CrankyOldMan

I agree with the "find one with AC" path, though I do appreciate the sentiment here. ;)

Having gone the other way and removed the AC system from my daily driver, you pretty much have to drop the engine to get the hard lines out of the engine bay. Your engine bay and cabin wire harnesses might not have the wiring for the AC compressor. If the climate control system inside the cabin doesn't have the radiator for the AC, you'll have to dismantle the entire dash board to get to it. That means pulling the A-pillars, steering wheel, steering column, radio/climate control area, speedometer, dash pad, dash bar, passenger air bag, dash wiring harnesses, etc. etc.

It's a LOT of work, even at a junk yard where half the parts have been pulled out already. Most of the wire harness connectors can't be removed without damage, same with the A-pillar clips if you have side-impact curtain airbags. Unless you're in a position to have the car torn apart for an extended period of time and have priced out everything that you need, you're almost certainly better off by just getting a different one. That said, we're always happy to have someone try something crazy and share it with the community!

Agreed, Sam, that it would be a lot of work, with many potential pitfalls, so I will amend my original comment that it might be the easiest route. I seem to recall having to support my engine and remove the upper passenger mount as in the chaos of putting in my 2ZR, I forgot to reinstall one of the A/C pipes. My 'new to me' 07 Yaris does not have A/C either. I mused about doing this installation myself and haven't completely ruled it out. My goal is to become very knowledgeable about the systems in these cars. Most of my projects make zero sense from a practicality standpoint. I do these things for the challenge and satisfaction of doing them.

When I first started to tackle larger jobs on my cars, I was very intimidated. For example, removing the wipers, wiper tray, wiper motor etc seemed frightening. Now it's a quick job and is a staple of easy engine bay maintenance and repairs. I've had my dash board/dash pad off, and yes, it's a lot of parts and fasteners, but once you've done it a few times, it becomes less intimidating. In sum, it would make the most sense to buy a car with A/C already installed. But, I digress (from the thread's original purpose).