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2006 Prius - AC Not Working Suddenly

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by ydpplqbd, Aug 17, 2021.

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  1. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Pressure switch is in the liquid line, next to the sight glass and high-side access port.
     
    #21 ChapmanF, Aug 19, 2021
  2. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    A/C pressure switch on my Gen2 is in the high pressure line adjacent to the sight glass and high pressure port (all on passenger side). I was having difficulty finding a part number for the pressure switch. My fear was that the pressure switch is a sub-component of another assembly. When I asked for a part number for the pressure switch on this board, I had some assume that I intended to replace the pressure switch without further inquiry (not my intention). Instead, I was trying to determine whether the pressure switch is a separate part or a sub-component. IOW, I still do not know the answer on the separate part versus sub-component issue. If anyone knows the answer to this question then please post here and let us all know.

    PS ChapmanF and I cross-posted on the switch location.
     
    #22 ydpplqbd, Aug 19, 2021
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2021
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Looks like the whole liquid line including port, sight glass, and switch is the only thing for sale from Big T.

    Gen 3 has the pressure sensor for sale separately, but that's a little different: in Gen 3 it really is a pressure sensor, not just a switch, so maybe there was more reason to make it replaceable.
     
    #23 ChapmanF, Aug 19, 2021
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  4. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    ChapmanF many thanks on pressure switch being subcomponent of line and sight glass.
     
    #24 ydpplqbd, Aug 19, 2021
  5. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    Brand new gauges and manifold. should be delivered tomorrow (R134a
    adapters received earlier in week). I expect pressure readings tomorrow.
     
    #25 ydpplqbd, Aug 26, 2021
  6. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    Tested my Gen2 AC system with new gauges. Both high and low sides show zero pressure. Working a week or two ago>>> not working now >>> no pressure in system currently. Leads me to believe that I have a leak somewhere (slow, intermediate or fast leak to be determined).

    My thoughts are that the following should be the next steps (please confirm or provide your critique):
    1. evacuate system with vacuum pump for say one hour;
    2. charge system with r134a refrigerant using digital scale;
    3. assess working of system and how long charge lasts; and
    4. check for leaks with refrigerant leak detector.

    Questions:
    Q1. Are there any refrigerant dyes that are compatible with ND11 oil and
    Gen2 AC system?

    If so, any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

    Q2. Please confirm that system charge should be 15.9oz of r134a WITHOUT dye, oil, adulterants or other additives.

    Q3. After system is evacuated, how long should system be capable of holding 29in. vacuum?

    Yahoo Mail on Android
     
    #26 ydpplqbd, Aug 30, 2021
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2021
  7. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If it's already known (or let's say really strongly suspected) of having a leak, step 2 seems wasteful. Maybe @lech auto air conditionin has a suggestion for catching the leak without using good refrigerant as the bait (and releasing it in the atmosphere).

    I wonder if something like nitrogen would work, with some dye. Maybe it wouldn't; different permeability of hoses, incompatibility with oil or dye, I don't know. I bet lech does though.
     
    #27 ChapmanF, Aug 30, 2021
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  8. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    My desire to evacuate and fill system is for the following reasons:

    a. determine whether compressor is in good condition and operating properly;

    b. without dye, my primary methods for detecting leaks are visual inspection and refrigerant leak detector;

    c. attempt to quantify/assess the magnitude of any leak; and

    d. allow me to search for multiple leaks.

    For all we know, an evacuation and refill of r134a will last for a couple years. Additionally, I am unaware of a method for sniffing nitrogen leaks. All leading me to the evacuation and refill as I do not see many other viable alternatives.

    Your input is greatly appreciated.
     
    #28 ydpplqbd, Aug 30, 2021
  9. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If the last charge went from "working" to "no pressure in system" over "a week or two", what odds is your bookie giving?
     
    #29 ChapmanF, Aug 30, 2021
  10. lech auto air conditionin

    lech auto air conditionin Senior Member

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    I would add UV dye. There are leaks that don’t leak when using electronica leak detector at static pressure.

    nitrogen yes there’s a little in for somebody to get into if they don’t do it for their profession nitrogen with 5% helium is called forming down and there’s a helium leak detector but also that’s only for a professional not for a do it yourself person.

    UV dye And save you a lot of headaches in the long run
     
    #30 lech auto air conditionin, Aug 31, 2021
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  11. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    Do you have any recommendations as to dyes that are compatible with Prius AC systems and specifically with the ND11 refrigerant oil?

    Please confirm that dye is "injected" by evacuating system, pouring applicable amount of dye through middle hose on manifold to low side and thereby sucking dye into system due to the system's existing vacuum. If not the preferred method for dye injection then please provide details. Many thanks in advance.

    PS I love your vids on YT.
     
    #31 ydpplqbd, Sep 1, 2021
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  12. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    There are two methods typically used to add oil and/or dye to the system. First is if a component is being replaced (such as a condenser), then just pour the oil or dye into the open fitting on the part before it is installed.
    Second method is to use a special syringe or cartridge "gun" to force dye into the system (usually through the low side fitting while the compressor is running).
    Most A/C recovery- recharging machines have some way to add oil during evac or recharge as well (a specialist shop might well have a machine dedicated to hybrid only use- but I wouldn't use that feature given different hybrid models likely need different spec oils).

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #32 mr_guy_mann, Sep 1, 2021
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  13. lech auto air conditionin

    lech auto air conditionin Senior Member

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    Sucking dye through the hose is the worst method exposing the oil to moisturize atmosphere.

    Are use a dye injector with a tube and a caulking gun there’s also small individual tubes with a lot less quantity and there’s dyes specific for Electric Compressors

    you can go on tracer line website how does a manufacturer of many types of UV Trece dyes
    Probably made two maybe three videos where I showed injecting dye

    then I made the backyard do it yourself sucking hoes method just to show people if you had no money is really tight and you just had to do it anyway I might as well make a video showing you how to suck it up through a hose. But that’s basically exposing the oil to the atmosphere and possibly sucking up moist atmospheric air accidentally inside your system.

    But I always tell do it yourself people you’re not under a time pressure with a boss saying you have to get the job done in 30 minutes.

    so you can take all your time and leave it on the vacuum pump overnight you can never over vacuum the more you vacuum the more possible moisture you can get out of the system you will never get it all but you can reduce it
     
    #33 lech auto air conditionin, Sep 2, 2021
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  14. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    I learn all kinds of new things here on Priuschat. I am eagerly awaiting and anticipating further details from lech on "I made the backyard do it yourself sucking hoes method".
    .
    .
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    LOL. lech thanks again for all your time, YT videos and excellent advice. Please do not be offended at my sophomoric joke based on a simple typo (unfortunately, I could not resist).
     
    #34 ydpplqbd, Sep 2, 2021
  15. lech auto air conditionin

    lech auto air conditionin Senior Member

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    it’s all good we all must laugh at least once a day to keep healthy. And try to make somebody else smile
     
    #35 lech auto air conditionin, Sep 2, 2021
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  16. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    I found UV dye specifically designed for hybrid vehicles at the Tracer Products website. See Automotive Leak Detection and Diagnostic Tools | Tracerproducts.com TP's product is called "MINI-EZ R-1234YF HYBRID VEHICLE A/C DYE" (AKA TP1108-P3). Website write-up indicates the following: i.) product works/is-compatible with R134a refrigerant; ii.) website implies that a EZ-Ject dye injector assembly is required to inject dye; and iii.) "0.25 oz (7 ml) Mini-EZ™ single-dose R-1234yf Hybrid Vehicle A/C dye cartridges, services up to 3 vehicles."

    Questions:
    Q1. is the fitting for the dye proprietary (meaning I must use the EZ-Ject dye injector)?

    Q2. Does the dye show up under any blacklight (again, is the dye proprietary and thus requires Tracer Products blacklight and glasses?

    Q3. Similar (but not certified for hybrid AC systems) Tracer Product dye kits are sold on ebay where a non-Tracer Product hose is used. See: Tracerline TP3812-BX Tracer-Stick Hybrid Vehicle A/C Dye Injection Kit | eBay Can a similar hose be used (in lieu of the EZ-Ject dye injector assembly)?

    09072021_AC_Tracer_Kit.PNG
     
    #36 ydpplqbd, Sep 7, 2021
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  17. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    I just got off the phone with the Tracer Product representative and he informed me of the following:

    a. each ampule of TP1108-P3 has a 1/2" Acme thread built into it; and

    b. Tracer Products recommends using their UV flashlight and googles (but other brands of flashlight and googles will likely work although the effectiveness maybe less than the TP products).
     
    #37 ydpplqbd, Sep 7, 2021
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  18. lech auto air conditionin

    lech auto air conditionin Senior Member

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    I have made a video on this topic about different UV lights in different EV dyes several instances where some lights didn’t work with some companies dyes.

    but the trace line products are so good and so strong they do most lol . The one light that I use called UV beast you will see in some of my videos has been the best and strongest flight overall 365 Nano meter light wave length

    you can purchase the UV beast on Amazon or eBay or you could look up their website under UV beast and you can find them on YouTube channel describing their lights extremely high-quality.

    The stronger the light the better you can never have too much UV light strength



    this is only one of a few videos I made on the UV lights but this was the fastest easiest one I found on the scanning










    that’s not all the videos but I think I get more than a point across.
     
    #38 lech auto air conditionin, Sep 7, 2021
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2021
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  19. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    Last August 2021, the AC in my 2006 Prius with then 254k became inoperative. My Gen2 had no previous AC issues AFAIK. I did not get this project finished before it got cold here in the northeast. So I am getting all my goodies together to finish this project up. I will update PC as I make progress.
     
    #39 ydpplqbd, Mar 23, 2022
  20. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    Today, I am on RockAuto website looking for ND-11 refrigerant oil for my Gen2. See 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS 1.5L L4 ELECTRIC/GAS A/C Refrigerant Oil | RockAuto

    Q1. Does anyone have recommendations on a particular brand of ND-11 oil?

    Q2. Why the wide disparity in price for the same 8 ounces of ND-11 oil?

    Q3. Can anyone confirm that all three ND-11 oils listed at RockAuto are contained in a screw on container (rather than a container with an Acme thread)?
    .
    .
    .
    Rock Auto provides three ("3") choices for ND-11 oil for my 2006 Gen2 as follows:

    UAC RO0802B Hybrid/Electric Oil Info
    Part image shows: "Johnsen's Electric A/C Lubricant" in an 8oz. container.
    Price: $9.54

    FOUR SEASONS 59889 {#38899RCJA01, AE10} Hybrid Oil Info
    17.00 Oz. R-134a; 4.00 Oz. Hybrid Oil
    Part image shows: "Temp Select Hybrid Electric" in an 8oz. container*."
    Price: $10.44
    *- picture shows 8oz. container despite RockAuto description mentioning 17oz.

    GPD 8011275 Info
    Hybrid Compressor Oil; 8oz
    Part image shows: "Masterchem Hybrid Electric AC Oil" with no description of container size in picture."
    Price: $27.79
     

    Attached Files:

    #40 ydpplqbd, Mar 23, 2022
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