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How to refill refrigerant.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by vallesj, Aug 22, 2024 at 4:39 PM.

  1. vallesj

    vallesj Junior Member

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    When we replaced an exploded engine on my kids 2011 prius, i asked my son to disconnect the ac compressor from the engine while I worked on engine bottom bolts. Suddenly I hear a shhh sounds, which I immediately understood he was disconnecting one of the hoses from the compressor so I told him to tight it back quickly. It was like 3 to 5 seconds so not so much refrigerant escaped. Now that everything else is working fine, I decided to check what to do about the ac. It is still cooling the cabin, but the air is not as cold as before and it takes much longer. I Checked the manual posted here to troubleshoot it, and there is bubbles when running as indication of low level of refrigerant. Too much money expended already on the car, even we just spent on spare parts, so trying to figure out if there is a cheap way to refill the amount of refrigerant escaped without the need of vacuum. By the way, I noticed the ports high and low are females, so normal recharge cans with a hose uses female connectors. And I haven't found a male adapter to buy. If there is not an economical way to fix this, they will have to drive it is under current hot Texas summer. So any good intended orientation will be appreciated.
     
    #1 vallesj, Aug 22, 2024 at 4:39 PM
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    In the case of the Prius with the electric compressor you just get you some virgin generic 134a and you're not even going to use a half a can so I don't know what you're going to do with the rest that should clear up your bubbles put you back to where you were without having to discharge reweigh redo anything. That's how I do all the mine and they're all still working heading to various mileages over 300 so oh well
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Aug 22, 2024 at 6:13 PM
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    The required refrigerant and lubricant is measured by weight inside a machine after its evacuated from the system. Because it is a variable pressure system, that is the only way you can get the right amount in the system. People who make the mistake of doing it by pressure from a refill can from the store often end up with a failed compressor in a year. Your best bet is to take it to an auto AC specialist and have them ensure you have the right amount in the system.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Aug 22, 2024 at 11:07 PM
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The ports are normal r134a automotive quick connects. IMG_6065.jpeg

    Really old r12 vehicles or residential systems use 1/4” screw on connections with core depressors. If you have a 1/4” gauge set you can buy r134 quick connect adapters almost anywhere.
    IMG_6067.jpeg

    The biggest problem with diy on these full electric compressors is using R134 that has standard oil, dyes or sealers. Those extra chemicals can ruin the compressor windings.

    The right way to do this is recover, vacuum and weigh in new refrigerant and a small amount of hybrid specific oil.

    But I and others have added small amounts of pure r134 using the sight glass. Only a small amount at a time allowing a few minutes for the system to stabilize each time. And then stopping when the glass just starts to clear to avoid overcharging.

    I would think you could find a shop that has hybrid experience to do it right for $200. The refrigerant is cheap.
     
    #4 rjparker, Aug 22, 2024 at 11:54 PM
    MAX2 likes this.
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