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A/C Cooling Insufficient on Hot Days -- Recharge?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by The Critic, Sep 17, 2015.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    2011 Prius with 116k.

    The A/C is probably on during 80% of my driving, so the system has certainly seen a lot of use. Over the last 3-6 months, I have noticed that on very hot days (95F+), the system takes a long time to cool down the car and the outlet temperature is on the warm side.

    On cooler days (under 80) the system works fine.

    I plan to bring it to the dealer this weekend for an evaluation and recharge. Will report back with their findings.
     
    #1 The Critic, Sep 17, 2015
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Have you made sure you are not in ECO? That reduces the ability of the A/C.
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Sep 17, 2015
  3. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Yep - not an issue with the drive modes.

    I did just check the sight-glass while the system is running (at low, full fan, engine ON, etc) and the sight glass appears "clear." Not sure what that means. For giggles, I'll hook-up Techstream tomorrow and run the refrigerant gas volume test and see what it comes back with.
     
    #3 The Critic, Sep 17, 2015
  4. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    replace the cabin filter, the condenser in the front of the car could be clogged with dirt, hose it off from the engine side..if that fails it might be low on Freon
     
    #4 Beachbummm, Sep 17, 2015
  5. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    Warm air = bad.

    On any mode, an AC unit should blow ice cold air within 60 seconds of starting. Any tech worth his salt would put a temperature probe into the air vent to measure what's being put out. If it's cold, the AC is working and something else is to blame. I know on 90 degree plus days, the AC can run 15-20 minutes to cool the car down to where I like it because it's not just cooling the air, but dealing with the heat being radiated by all the interior components that have been at 100+ degrees for several hours.

    The only exception would be a jammed or broken AC temperature control baffle/door. If that happens, you aren't getting the full air mix you have set.
     
    #5 qdllc, Sep 17, 2015
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