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Anyone DIY A/C Compressor install on a GenII?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by dbfrink, Feb 27, 2015.

  1. dbfrink

    dbfrink Junior Member

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    My wife and I have had a 2005 Prius for a little over a year now. When we bought it, the previous owner said the A/C system was new. Once the spring/summer hit, we realised that wasn't true- apparently the blower motor was replaced, but the compressor was bad (dealer confirmed). We just lived with it last summer, but I am wanting to replace it now before it warms up.

    I am home mechanic- no professional, but I have done everything from engine rebuilds to engine swaps at my house before. There are very few jobs that my cars have needed that I haven't done myself. The Prius is one thing I haven't done much to, and am not completely familiar with. I looked at a diagram, and the compressor seems easy to access from below the car. I have ordered a service manual for the Prius, and will use that. I am simply curious if anyone has done this and if they have any insight into how tough it may be.

    Thanks in advance for any info.

    -D
     
    #1 dbfrink, Feb 27, 2015
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    You can obtain factory repair manual info at techinfo.toyota.com

    I believe that you will not have a problem doing the physical installation of the compressor. However you need to be aware of the special compressor oil used in Toyota hybrids, which will not conduct high voltage electricity. No hoses or vacuum pumps which previously were used to service normal air conditioners can be utilized, as such use will contaminate the compressor oil which would lead to the compressor motor shorting out.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Feb 27, 2015
  3. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    The correct oil for the Prius compressor is ND11 under no circumstances use PAG oil or equipment that has been used with PAG oil. The compressor is comparatively easy to change "no external drive mechanism". It is the evacuating and re pressurizing that is critical.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #3 Britprius, Mar 1, 2015
  4. Priusflipper

    Priusflipper Junior Member

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    Will it damage the system if it is not evacuated correctly? or is it more of an "environmental thing"?
     
    #4 Priusflipper, Aug 1, 2018
  5. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    If there is still any pressure left in the system there is no need to evacuate.
    The reason for evacuation is to remove any moisture in the system as in use this could, and will freeze blocking the flow round the system causing intermittent AC operation. Ice forming, and then melting as the blockage forms stopping the system working, and then melting allowing it to restart.
    If the system looses all pressure through a leak air with water vapor can entre the system, and it would then be required to evacuate it. This also applies if a component in the system is replaced "such as the condenser or compressor" as this would let air, and moisture into the system.

    John
     
    #5 Britprius, Aug 2, 2018
  6. MTL_hihy

    MTL_hihy Active Member

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    Honestly I don't shy away from any job working on any vehicle but there are some jobs that having the proper equipment is critical to making the vehicle run at it's best after performing the repair. AC work is one of those jobs because if you don't draw a good vacuum, make sure the proper amount of oil is in the system, add the right weight of refrigerant to the system, it can all affect performance and potentially service life as well. Do all the diagnosis you want on AC, buy the parts they'll be using, etc, but smart money takes that work to a shop you can trust for install IMHO. My AC work all goes to the dealer since if they mess it up they have access to all the OEM parts to make it right again.
     
    #6 MTL_hihy, Aug 9, 2018
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Here here. (y)

    I'll even put with their invariable upselling, attempted padding the bill, just for the peace of mind.
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Aug 9, 2018
  8. Coolride17

    Coolride17 Junior Member

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    Yeah, just replaced my abs pump . Did it myself for $1200, Dealer quoted me $4800, but that included the $50water pump and coolant, oh boy.
     
    #8 Coolride17, Aug 21, 2018
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