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Smelly and leaky AC

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Hans Martin, Oct 20, 2018.

  1. Hans Martin

    Hans Martin Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2018
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hi!

    I recently got the AC gas refilled on our Prius, and it started blowing cold, after only blowing lukewarm air for a while. Problem is, it’s leaking. After a day it was down to 20psi and warm again. Another mechanic refilled it, but this time he put some stop-leak in. It seamed to work. But gradually it must have been leaking again, cause the little glass window where you can see the ac gas/liquid in the engine, now has some bubbles in it.

    Another problem is - SMELL. Our AC does not smell good. I want to get it back running cold and clean air, like when it was new. How should I troubleshoot? Could there be a leak in the compressor? And could the smell be a mouldy/dirty evaporator?

    Thanks guys!
     
    #1 Hans Martin, Oct 20, 2018
  2. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2013
    1,476
    1,552
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    Location:
    Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Should go to an ac shop and have them put ac dye in there, wait a couple of days while using the ac and then recheck where the dye is leaking at.

    Once you find the leak, repair and vacuum the system and recharge it.

    As for the smell, I would check the discharge hose and see if it’s draining out from underneath your vehilce, replace your cabin filter as well and clean out any debris that are in there. GL
     
    #2 NutzAboutBolts, Oct 22, 2018
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