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2011 Prius A/C Problem

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Gordo87, Sep 28, 2015.

  1. Gordo87

    Gordo87 Junior Member

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    Hello folks, I just bought a 2011 Toyota Prius with 60k off a Toyota dealer. Couple days after I purchase it the AC started to act up. Took it back to the dealer and had the AC compressor replaced and nothing, got the computer replaced and it fixed the problem (all under warranty). But now it works sometimes and sometimes it take about 15-20 minutes to start blowing cold air. Any thoughts?
     
  2. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    I would say you still have some more warranty work to get completed. Like until it works without any issues. Was this vehicle a Certifed Pre-Owned? The warranty you are under might only last a week or two, like a temporary lot warranty. A/C problems aren't covered under the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned warranty, as I found out last month.
     
  3. Gordo87

    Gordo87 Junior Member

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    Yes it was certified pre-owned but I purchase the extended warranty.
     
  4. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    Well, I would say with only a couple of days ownership the dealer would still be responsible for making sure all systems are go. If it was not working properly before the sale then it shouldn't go against your extended warranty coverage. It might have been working fine prior to the sale though and just failed afterward. In which case you have the extended warranty to cover it (wipes sweat from brow ...) Mine failed at a little over 81,000 miles. Good thing I was maintaining a rainy day fund.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe the receiver/dryer needs replacing?
     
  6. Gordo87

    Gordo87 Junior Member

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    How long does yours take for cold AC To turn on full blast when is parked parked and when your driving it?
     
  7. Gordo87

    Gordo87 Junior Member

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    Where's that located?
     
  8. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    Any cool-down times will vary depending on initial inside temperature and outside air temperature (and the ECO or Normal setting of all things), so I can't really estimate a time. It starts blowing cool air almost immediately though. And this is irrespective of sitting parked or driving since the compressor is electric.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no idea, somewhere under the hood. and there's a sight glass to check the oil.
     
  10. Gordo87

    Gordo87 Junior Member

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    So taking

    So something should definitely be wrong if it's taking 15-20 minutes
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    oh yes, cold air should start almost immediately.
     
  12. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    Usually the receiver/dryer is replaced when the compressor is replaced. It must be down there near the compressor somewhere. I can't see it. There is also a pressure sensor near that sight glass Bisco mentioned, which will disable the system if there isn't sufficient refrigerant pressure. If it is taking 15-20 minutes the system is probably very low on refrigerant.
     
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