Air conditioning in Prius

the diagnostic code was B1474. the A/C inverter

 

Okay, now that's interesting. The A/C inverter is integrated with the main inverter and cannot be replaced separately. The most reasonable course of action is to install a salvage inverter. I strongly urge you to seek a second opinion for the repair. There is an independent shop in Columbia, MD. I would trust any shop listed here. Preferred Independent Hybrid Car Repair and Service Shops | Hybrid Cars

 

My impression always was: A inverter changes DC to AC.

 

Is it common for the Prius to take a while to blow ice cold AC?

I have a '04 Prius that I bought used @122k, it now has 128k and it's in the triple digits here in Texas. Even after venting all of the hot air in the car by opening the windows, it takes roughly 15-20 for it to blow ice cold air. When I first start the car, it blows cool air within ~2 minutes, but my passengers are suffering in the back. I glanced over my lines and I did not notice any damange anywhere.

To thumb it down, AC blows hard, but does not get ice cold until 15-20 minutes later. Prius is at 128k and never had any AC maintenance done.

 

Did you check if you need a little more freon? Look at the glass & see how big the bubbles are. If they are small, your OK, if they are large, you may need some charge. My experience is that the AC is OK, but not as strong as some other cars. It probably helps keep the mileage up!

 

DENSO's electric compressor is driven by an integrated motor and is able to provide air conditioning even while the vehicle is stopped. As a result, in hybrid vehicles with engines that automatically shut down when the vehicles stop, the electric compressor provides a comfortable air-conditioned cab environment in addition to fuel efficiency.



Any idea why my 2006 Prius would not be getting cold air when the engine shuts off? The A/C was just recharged to try to fix the problem but to no avail. It works fine when the motor is on but will not cool down when in motor shuts down. Thanks in advance for help.

 

Where do you live? Maybe we can suggest a better place to take your car.

 

Read http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ir-after-damage-front-undertray-what-now.html. It could save you a lot of money.

 

One thing that no one has mentioned here is the AC will suck the HV battery down so fast you won't believe it. Try sitting in line at In and Out Burgers with the AC on with a medium fan speed. I will go from a completely green battery to 2 purple bars in about 5 to 8 minutes, then the ICE comes on to recharge the HV battery. The statement expressed by the salesman that the AC is "FREE" to run is "NUTZ" It will suck your MPG down just like any other car. The energy to run the unit has to come from somewhere, and I do not think they are using "Dark Energy" so that leaves the ICE!!!

 

Answer yes it will suck down the gas if the A/C is low on refrigerant or over charged. on a Prius only 2 or 3 oz will make a big difference on how fast you drain the battery. 3oz under charge and the A/C can not cool fast and can not cool enough on a hot day so it stays on all the time trying to cool. Then the cars A/C sensors in the car tell it its not cool inside yet so it turns up the RPM's on the compressor to try to cool you, and more REP's = more AMPs from the battery = engine must turn on to recharge.
If some tried to top off the A/C charge by adding refrigerant and is 2 to 3oz over charged then the high side pressure will shoot up adding load on the compressor = AMP's + drain the battery vary fast ans shorten the compressor life!!. http://testo.com.au/online/embedded...ectorsAndProducts/refrigeration/testo-570.jpg

 

NEVER USE THE SIGHT GLASS TO CHARGE A A/C SYSTEM . 100% never for a ELECTRIC VARIABLE SCROLL COMPRESSOR !!!!!!!


http://testo.com.au/online/embedded...ectorsAndProducts/refrigeration/testo-570.jpg

 

I highly recommend Luscious Garage for A/C service or any Prius service. This is one of those shops that is worth driving to from another city. Luscious Garage 475 9th st. san francisco Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists

 

Well put. :welcome: ( this is not your dads CHEVY " thank god" ) 1 or 2oz make a big differences on a prius.

 

If you don't let your A/C refrigerant run low and the shop you take it to for A/C service dose not over or undercharge it or use the wrong oil it should last for many happy years with no big repair bills.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRsr4B_u6HEFQFJhaVfWo8dYaFXXJXxa4UxQ1iXNT08kR89zl6qZA