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Repair 2003 Prius AC?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Clarabelle, Jul 20, 2015.

  1. Clarabelle

    Clarabelle New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2015
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    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
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    I have a 2003 Prius with 114,000 miles on it. In summer 2014 dealership charged me $159 to tell me it would cost $1600 to fix the AC. Can't replace clutch without replacing compressor also, or visa versa. Don't remember details as shock of cost knocked me senseless. Hybrid batteries are out of warranty and I have no clue when they might die. Would appreciate opinions on whether to fix it or ditch it.

    I have driven primarily Toyota vehicles since the 1980's and have come to expect longevity without serious maintenance expense from these cars. This is a jolt to my faith in Toyota.
     
    #1 Clarabelle, Jul 20, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    12 years old? you must have had some serious past success!

    maybe you can have someone install a salvage unit.
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 20, 2015
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Ok, that's the first sign of distinguished BS. The clutch is totally available separately, from Toyota, in their parts database and everything. This thread will tell you everything you need to know about replacing it.

    Two or three hundred dollars if you buy new. But don't go pulling out your wallet just yet, because there's an excellent chance that what you really need is the clutch shim kit, for a dollar and ten minutes of your time.

    But the problem we face right now is that you were so sticker shocked you forgot to say anything in your post here about what A/C problems you were having, or why they thought it was the compressor you needed. Without that information, I can't second guess (other than I know the "can't replace clutch without compressor" line is BS) ... maybe you do need the compressor after all, and that would be a costlier job.

    The compressor is available in a genuine Toyota-approved reman also, keeping the price down; check for the normal part number with -84 added on the end.

    So how about some info on your problem, so we'd have a better idea what we're looking at?

    -Chap
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Jul 20, 2015
  4. Avi's Advanced Automotive

    Avi's Advanced Automotive Independent hybrid repair shop

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2012
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    If the bearing on an air conditioning clutch seizes up, you're probably not replacing it. I replace noisy ones all the time, especially on Honda Civic hybrids. If we can get the whole story, we might be able to help you out. Also, these compressors are very dependable and readily available as the were also used in Toyota MR2s making a second hand one a good option.

    Avi
     
    #4 Avi's Advanced Automotive, Jul 20, 2015
    valde3 likes this.
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