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A/C sight glass...

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Fester, Jun 6, 2021.

  1. Fester

    Fester Active Member

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    Maybe It's so obvious I just can't see it, but if there's a Sight Glass on my late 2017 Prius 2, I can't find it. It ought to be on the high line by the Hi fill valve cap and pressure switch, it isn't anywhere in the high lines that I can see. Would like to get a quick visual check before hot weather just for reassurance, cooling seems just a tad weak, but maybe an overactive imagination. Rather not visit the local "Pirates" just to do a check.
     
    #1 Fester, Jun 6, 2021
  2. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    I don't think there is a sight glass on your Prius.

    Topping off the refrigerant, due to the small amount in the original charge of current model cars and the lack of large accumulators like those found in cars of old, is very dangerous and could degrade performance and could lead to damage of the AC unit.

    The only way to insure that the charge is correct is to vacuum out the entire system and to recharge it with the factory specified amount of refrigerant. Also adding oil could be damaging.

    Aby amount of oil left over from equipment using anything but ND11 or equivalent oil could damage the electric compressor.
     
    #2 Georgina Rudkus, Jun 6, 2021
    alanclarkeau likes this.
  3. Fester

    Fester Active Member

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    Yep, the basic principles apply from my Tech School Courses in the Military (1970's), its just that seeing a full glass (with just some occasional bubble or two that was considered system "normal" is something I miss...
     
    #3 Fester, Jun 6, 2021
  4. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    I'm fairly sure my previous 2 cars didn't have one either - EURO Fords.

    That said - I remember 1973 - had to top the VOLVO up at 2 yrs, and then every year. Same with every car till 1995 when we got a MAZDA 3 (Familia) where the A/C wasn't touched for the 10 years we had it - nor the '93 VOLVO - and since then, they've lasted my ownership of the car - about 3-5 years without topping up. My suspicion is that it could last the effective life of the car.
     
    #4 alanclarkeau, Jun 6, 2021
  5. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    The Prius will not cool too well while parked or moving slowly. It needs good air flow over the condenser. Also make sure you're not in HVAC ECO mode (I think ECO drive mode automatically puts the HVAC in ECO, too). If you want the best airflow from the dash vents, do not select Front Bias position. That will reduce the airflow from the dash vents.
     
    #5 FuelMiser, Jun 7, 2021
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