AC Blowing Not Cold

Car: 2015 Gen 3

The AC blows but I don't feel its cold enough. Of course, here in SoCal it is still winter and its chilly outside so the slight cold air may be due to the outside temp of 61F. I started the diag process and checked the AC fuse under the dash and it was fine, next i took the airbox out and noticed the plug to the AC compressor had come off so I thought that was my issue so, I cleaned up the male/female ends with electronic parts cleaner and added a bit of dielectric grease (just a pin size in each pin) and replugged it and still no change. I then connected my “basic” AC gauge that comes with the AC Pro can and it read low, so I added a bit just to see if any change was made and nothing. I also checked the peephole on the hose and nothing was moving inside (not sure if I am suppose to see freon moving), lastly, I checked my cabin air filter and it was super dirty and appeared clogged from debris, I removed it just to let the free air flow to see of that helped and nothing.

Anyone ever experience this? If so, have I missed something or any ideas what to look at next? I do have the AC Gauge manifold to dive into it further but wanted to checl with just basic tools at the moment to see if I could find the issue.

Also, there are no codes.

 

I hooked up my Icon T10 scanner and noticed there was a special function called “ AC System Relearn/Initialization” then “ Servo Motor Initialization” then a message saying “Use this function when the servomotor or the AC ECU is replaced or the battery disconnected (12 battery indeed replaced 50 miles ago). Then “This function is used to servomotor initialization of AC”. I proceeded and then heard a loud buzz coming from the front and noticed the AC compressor was now working and a “clear” liquid flowing thru the peep glass BUT AC was not cold still. I hooked up my basic gauge and it read LOW. I also noticed that when in the car, I would turn AC off and would hear the compressed air hiss that you get when shutting off the AC.

On my 08, the AC compressor running just sounds like an electrical humming but not a loud buzz like this. I am not sure if this is normal but I will post a video of this soon. I hope its not an indication that the compressor is toast although it appears to be running.

 

Here is the video to the loud buzzing sound coming from the AC compressor. Not sure if these 3rd gens are suppose to be this loud. And I do not recall my fans coming on while AC is on.

https://youtube.com/shorts/U_jBhTPG_4Y?si=4cdlunXaX9UI4WNY

 

Whats not good? The noise? I have not used the professional AC manigold gauges as mentioned, I only used the gun style gauge that comes when you buy the AC Pro R134 can. When the compressor came on, I reattached the gauge but the can was empty and ot showed LOW now as mentioned above. I didnt have any r134 left in the can to see if the gauge moved up. I will be checking it again with my HF manifold gauges for a more accurate reading.

My biggest concern right now is the loud buzzing sound coming from the compressor. It appears too loud to be normal. Then again I have never heard the AC on a gen 3 before.

Also, I checked the hood and says the AC uses a total of 520g of freon on an empty system as well as the ND-11 oil. I recall doing this on my Honda Odyssey van when I replaced the AC condenser. I pulled a vacuum for a few hours and then closed off the lines and waited 30 mins to make sure it held pressure. Is the process the same on the prius? If so, can anyone share the info from the manual or DIy?

 

I can do so myself, just need to figure out if thats all it needs or if there is a problem somewhere 1st. I have all the tools necessary to pull a vacuum and refill properly. The only thing I do not own is a recovery tank and wait for the rain to stop here.

So as far as the sound in my video, you're saying that sounds normal? I personally think if that is normal, it is quite loud (im used to my quiet gen 2 AC)

 

I just saw this video of a guy replacing the compressor:

and that compressor is not loud at all, you can hear him talking and mine is much much louder.

Also, the main high voltage fuse that is in the inverter, I have seen when the compressor is not working some check that and have found it blown but I guess thats not my issue and no need to check that.

Once the rain stops, ill have to bring my HF Manifold out to check properly.

 

So would it be too early to say that it simply needs refrigerant and compressor is ok even as loud as it is? I also did cinfirm both fans are indeed on when AC is on.

 

I have the ND-11 plus Dye that I put into my Odyssey, so that wont work? I googled “non-conductive ND-11 and nothing came up. Is that a parts store item or dealer only? Thanks for letting me know though as I would have never guessed that. Videos I have seen did not mention that.

 

Got it. At this point I am going to check with the HF gauges and see where I am at on refrigerant and top off if needed. I would e concerned if it is very low because that sound of the compressor worries me even though you say it may be normal, all the videos I have seen so far of compressors on 10-15 prius, none sound like mine in good working condition.

I would just hate to top off and then it still be bad, or perhaps if low and filling it up, compressor may quiet down a bit?

 

Its nowhere near hot here in SoCal. Its raining and 61 f degrees