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Gen1. AC issue

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by bigblock67, Jul 23, 2015.

  1. bigblock67

    bigblock67 433K with new cells

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    I have charged system 134
    Compressor works at start up until warm, then light flashes and compressor disengages. No noise and gets cold until motor gets heated.
    Need ideas. Thanks
    Don
    SMwfer3k

     
    #1 bigblock67, Jul 23, 2015
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    We could probably help more with some info:
    • What was it doing that made you think it needed charging?
    • What specs did you use to determine correct charge?
    • What blink codes, if any, have you retrieved?
    • Did you scan this forum at all for threads about the A/C before you started?
    -Chap
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Jul 24, 2015
  3. royfrontenac

    royfrontenac Member

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    I assume you are referring to the 02 prius and its air conditioning.

    In all of my 4 2001 prius cars I have replaced washers in the clutch assembly when the blinking light occurred. The air gap in the compressor clutch gets too large and the magnetic clutch can not stay engaged - thus the blinking light. This repair is very simple and you can get more detail on this site. Replacement washers can be purchased at the dealer for under $10. The compressor does not have to be removed from the car and the job takes around an hour for an amateur.
     
    #3 royfrontenac, Jul 25, 2015
    bigblock67 likes this.
  4. bigblock67

    bigblock67 433K with new cells

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    Thanks for this note. I will try that. The fins on condenser are flattened out (75%) Could that be an issue? Did they change condenser to an also radiator included unit?
     
    #4 bigblock67, Aug 11, 2015
  5. bigblock67

    bigblock67 433K with new cells

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    ' Clutch disengaged
    ' I charged system up to 28lb. on low side
    ' There are no codes
    ' No

    Thanks
     
    #5 bigblock67, Aug 11, 2015
  6. bigblock67

    bigblock67 433K with new cells

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    Maybe an all day job of aligning fins on condenser may be a fix. .I need to research this air gap issue and how to do it.
    Thanks all.
     
    #6 bigblock67, Aug 11, 2015
  7. bigblock67

    bigblock67 433K with new cells

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    It turned out to be a clutch. Replaced the AC clutch and that was it. Old one was pitted and rusted. It was slipping kicking itself to off position. All is good with AC
     
    #7 bigblock67, Aug 31, 2018
  8. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Good work.

    For future reference for other readers, it's pretty normal for the friction surfaces to look rusted. Generally isn't a problem as long as the gap is correct. The gap adjustment is a very simple job, much easier than clutch replacement, and the only cost is the little bag of shims for a buck. Procedure is covered in this thread and here. It's helpful to own a dial indicator.

    -Chap
     
    #8 ChapmanF, Aug 31, 2018
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