134a Refrigerant in 2007 Prius - Compressor Damage?

First, you should go educate your parts store guy before he screws anybody else over.

In response, in order.

Likely. If not already, than soon.

Take it to an A/C shop that has the proper equipment and knows the Prius. Have them do a complete evac and recharge. A little prayer may be in order. It's not the R-134a, it's the oil/sealant that's in it.

Electric or combination pulley/electric (like on some of the Honda IMA cars) require non-conductive compressor oil. IIRC, it's a special ester blend instead of the common PAG oil used in most regular R-134a automotive systems. PAG is conductive, or at least it's conductive enough to potentially cause problems. Reports vary. Some claim no issues, others have had them destroyed due to improper oil.

I recommend zero A/C use until you get it sorted.

I made the same recommendation to an acquaintance who did the same thing on a Civic Hybrid.

To be safe, I have separate sets of manifold gauges, one for non-electric, one for electric.

 

Everything but the bolded part.

In a Prius compressor you put only "pure" R-134a and the ND-11 or compatible compressor oil. Interdynamics makes something they claim is "hybrid safe" and compatible with ND-11 and one of the Honda oils. There may be other safe things to add, but I don't know what they are.

EDIT: I think what you referenced on amazon is the same oil I linked+R134a.

Your solution is to take it to a competent shop that understands hybrid compressor issues for a full evac and recharge.

I think they're only about $1,600 to replace.

 

Too funny b/c you are screwed and in denial.

Sounds like you are hoping to dilute the wrong refrigerant and hope that no damage has and will occur?


What part of,

is not understood? Doing this will give you the best possible outcome.

 

Just a warning. Many repair shops -- I will not say all, though I suspect that may well be the case -- will not touch a car that has been "recharged" by an amateur with refrigerant that contains a sealer.

The chemicals will turn their fancy evac machine into a very sad, non-functioning unit. I just recharged the AC, but I made sure I got a can that contained only refrigerant. It did not work, so eventually I will take the car -- and the empty $11 dollar can of 134a to the shop and let them have at it.....

I have already confirmed with them they will work on the car as long as I bring the empty can -- the shop owner and I have a long-standing relationship and he trusts me, just wants to look at the can himself to assure that it only had refrigerant.

Good luck, Cereboso. You may need it. And do take in the can you used to the shop, if you haven't already gone.

 

Good news. Glad it got fixed!