Is this a normal AC compressor sound?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Gourockian, Aug 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM.

  1. Gourockian

    Gourockian Junior Member

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    I know we have been getting record temperatures here in Florida (as in other states also) but this is the first time I've noticed my AC compressor being so loud. I first noticed it a couple of nights ago but it had disappeared when I checked it the following morning.

    This short video was taken today when the outside temperature was around 100F/38C. The car had been sitting in the sun for over an hour, after a 25 mile trip so probably hadn't had much chance to cool down. The temperature control was set to LO.

    Does this sound normal when trying to cope with high temps?

    https://youtube.com/shorts/c9xsJqjsxR0?feature=share
     
    #1 Gourockian, Aug 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    It's a nearly 13 year old car and old cars make strange noises when they're stressed. I've heard plenty of ACs in a Prius that sounded like that were fine and some that sounded like that were failing.

    My recommendation is to wait for a drop in temperature and replace your cabin air filter then go through all the basic functions of your HVAC to confirm that everything is still working normally and let us know if you come up with anything and we'll walk you through next steps.

    If you don't find anything wrong then the message is that your car is getting old and you need to do everything possible to go easy on it by parking in the shade and avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day so you can get as many years out of it as possible before you have to repair or replace the vehicle.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Aug 3, 2025 at 8:36 PM
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  3. Gourockian

    Gourockian Junior Member

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    Thanks for your reply and good advice. One thing I forgot to say is that at present, I've not detected any deterioration in the cooling capacity of the system, even though it's having to work harder during this unusually hot spell. I'll try to monitor it meantime and hopefully, it will continue to work okay until the weather cools down somewhat.
     
    #3 Gourockian, Aug 3, 2025 at 8:43 PM
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    One of the best parts of an aftermarket Sodium-Ion pack is it produces a high amp charge for a much longer period of time. With an OEM battery pack when it gets super hot out and AC starts sounding funky it's because the battery pack is out of extra power for the AC system and computer dials back how much power it sends to AC. This problem is mostly eliminated with aftermarket LiFePo4 and Sodium-Ion packs.
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Aug 3, 2025 at 8:48 PM
  5. Gourockian

    Gourockian Junior Member

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    That's certainly interesting information but to be honest, I don't think we are wanting to spend too much on this car. My wife has never been too keen on being "so low down" compared to the minivan we used to have. We've been contemplating swapping it out for a Rav4 Hybrid within the next few months but have not taken any steps in that direction as yet.
     
    #5 Gourockian, Aug 3, 2025 at 8:57 PM
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  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    The same company also makes a sodium-ion pack for Lexus hybrids... You can find older Lexus Hybrids for cheap once the OEM battery pack goes bad. Way nicer ride than a Rav4 too!
     
    #6 PriusCamper, Aug 3, 2025 at 9:32 PM
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  7. Gourockian

    Gourockian Junior Member

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    I hadn't thought of the Lexus models but that's certainly worth keeping in mind. Thanks.
     
    #7 Gourockian, Aug 3, 2025 at 9:36 PM
  8. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Look up the soother project add on from the previous sodium battery seller before buying.
     
    #8 Grit, Aug 4, 2025 at 12:10 AM
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