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A/C works a few seconds / stops blowing Code 21

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Robyn Lavash, Feb 10, 2018.

  1. Robyn Lavash

    Robyn Lavash New Member

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    The on my Prius works a few seconds at a time then stops blowing air all together. The air fan won't work. The heater fan does work. looked up the codes and I have a code 21. Code 21 is something a bout a solar sensor which I've never heard of. Has anybody ever experienced this problem and how did you fix it. Any help would be very much appreciated
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    you probably need a new fan motor circuit board assembly.
     
  3. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    ... know as the fan controller and sits inside the fan duct or, you need a new fan motor. Both are know to fail.
    The 21 is aka B1421 and simply mean the solar sensor does to detect strong sunlight. So as long as that his the case (you were not in strong sunlight), you can accept that as the truth and move on.

    As you did not get any other codes, I don't think you have anything more serious. The fan motor and controller failing will not set any codes.
     
    #3 dolj, Feb 10, 2018
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2018
  4. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    Yes, have heard and done some work on a car's AC system, showing such a code about a solar sensor blablabla.

    In some cases, the solar sensor code only comes up, when the solar sensor on the extreme right of your dash, has fallen inside the dashboard, exposing it to darkness, or when the car is not exposed to sunlight, if its parked where the environment is dark.

    Check to see if the solar sensor hasn't fallen off, or removed from its position.

    It kinda receives suns brightness (intensity) maybe, and relays that information to the AC system amplifier to now gauge cabin air requirements, then the AC system compressor kicks in. If there isn't any inputs from that sensor, you'd always be having a work and on situation.

    Ins some situations I have worked on, Camry hybrid, and some prii, locating the sensor, and glueing it on its position, tends to solve the problem, with maybe some addition of refrigerant in the system.

    Hope this kinda help ya!?
     
  5. DMC-5180

    DMC-5180 Active Member

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