1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

AC Refrigerant from Walmart Safe? No oil or dye listed

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by wallymw, May 28, 2018.

  1. wallymw

    wallymw Happy Prius Owner in Mpls

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2009
    10
    0
    0
    Location:
    Minneapolis
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    I’ve seen many posts about making sure to either add the correct hybrid Refrigerant with the right oil for an electric compressor or make sure it is only pure Refrigerant. I’m seeing a can of
    SuperTech R-134a with pic below. It doesn’t list any oil, dye or leak protector in it.

    Safe to use? I’m assuming they would need to list if a dye or oil was added? The can is
    $6
    upload_2018-5-28_10-24-35.jpeg can is $6
     
  2. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    11,491
    14,100
    0
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I don't know, but I'm curious, too. If so, that would be nice to know.

    Judging by the reviews on Walmart's website, it's pure 134a.
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,710
    38,247
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    If it's oil-free you should be ok. Still, if you're needing to buy these, maybe get it checked out by dealership: they will evacuate the system and recover the refrigerant responsibly, check for leaks and remedy as needed, and recharge with the kosher stuff, following the specs for charging.

    I got this done recently, the performance of ours was falling off, they dinged me $150 plus tax.
     
  4. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2008
    2,763
    2,250
    13
    Location:
    Chesterton, Indiana Another third world country.
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    #4 padroo, May 28, 2018
    Last edited: May 28, 2018
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,199
    6,464
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yes
     
  6. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    11,491
    14,100
    0
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I recently did the same. You got off cheaper than I did, especially considering the exchange rate in our dollars. Even so, I think having the dealer check it out was smarter in the long run. If I had gauges, I would have topped it off and waited to see if it got weak again, but this way, if it does, the dealer yech put in dye to make it easier to find.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,710
    38,247
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    They quoted $150, and of course when they wrapped up the fun began: "oh but that's not including the gas", "and there's shop supplies", and and....

    I told them to charge what they wanted, and brace for the review. It was $150..., plus tax.

    I think it's just in their DNA, they have to be like that.
     
    jerrymildred and padroo like this.