AC Trouble....

Hey guys, made a thread a couple days ago about this prius. It has been nothing but problems. Needed a new dash piece, had leaking electrolyte in the hybrid battery, had a bad Multi function display, and of course the AC was also bad. I have either fixed or ordered the parts to fix almost everything and thankfully now the car is actually running.

Now, for the AC issue at hand. When I first ran techstream, I got the B1423 code. Next time I checked techstream (after replacing the Hybrid battery), I noticed that another code, B1421 came up. I went to O'Reilly's and picked up some refrigerant (being sure to get a 134a without oil) and a gauge. I checked the gauge and realized that there was no pressure. Then, I added refrigerant for maybe 1-2 seconds tops and the gauge shot up to nearly the red, so I stopped. I went back inside the car and checked to see a difference in AC temp and there was none. So then, I pulled up techstream again and checked the codes, which then brought up a B1476 code. I haven't done much with AC in the past and as many of you have probably released by now, I buy and resell these cars and I also have one for myself. If anyone can shed some light on this situation, that would be great.

Summary: Car had a B1423 and a B1421 code, refrigerant was added and then those codes went away and out came a B1476. I don't want to sell this car until I get the AC working and I am trying to fix this myself instead of taking it to an AC repair guy.

Thanks, Cole

 

Just a standard gauge off O'Reilly's shelf attached to some R134a.

 

Seems easy enough. I'm gonna go rent the manifold gauge from O'Reilly's tomorrow and have a go at it. I have a spare parts prius that I know for a fact has working AC. I'll get it going. Finally going to get some sun tomorrow here in "not-so-sunny" california.

 

I’ll buy one from harbor freight then.

 

Is there a specific hybrid ac oil or is it no oil at all? I read not to use any refrigerant with added oil but that’s it lol

 

Ok now that I’ve messed with it, I’m a little confused with the guide provided. I turn the ac on and the fan doesn’t come on. So then it says to inspect the fan. What does that entail?

 

Update. Plugged the manifold gauge in to diagnose the B1423 code that disappeared. Everything drained out as soon as I plugged it in so I’m assuming something was stopping it from taking the charge and the compressor still isn’t on. So I’m gonna diagnose the 1423 code as I think maybe the pressure switch is keeping the compressor from turning on

 

I have come to the conclusion that:
A. There is a leak in the system as verified by the manifold gauge.
B. The AC compressor is not turning on and is most likely bad, after using a jumper wire to test the switch, it still doesn’t turn on. This means it could also have a bad switch.

 

I have not. It seems pretty black and white to me now but if I know what I’m looking at I can certainly look into it.

 

Ok so I’m doing the AC job this upcoming week. The AC compressor with new wiring harness is here and I got a new switch as well. Just to be safe does anyone recommend a specific refrigerant and oil that they can link me to off amazon or something? I just want to do this right the first time only and I’m seeing a few different opinions. If anyone could list the refrigerant refill and oil specs that would be great.