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A/c sight glass empty

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Blake2100, Jul 11, 2020.

  1. Blake2100

    Blake2100 Junior Member

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    As summer hits I've been noticing my air conditioning seems great but not as well as I think it could be. I'm also not used to smaller engines and my perception may be because of that. After doing some reading I decided to check my sight glass and noticed that it was empty, dry even. Is this normal or is this a sign of low freon. This happens with the system on (temp) low and fan on high, ac switched on. Any thought would be appreciated. Vehicle is a 2010 prius III (solar).
     
    #1 Blake2100, Jul 11, 2020
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If the refrigerant is very clear, it can be hard to tell "empty" from "clear liquid no bubbles".

    Clear liquid no bubbles would be good. Empty would be bad. Very bad.

    One way to tell would be to watch the sight glass while somebody turns the A/C off. If it's clear liquid you're seeing, for a moment after it turns off you should see some bubbles.

    If you don't, then you probably were seeing "empty". (Or way overcharged, which also kills performance.)
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Jul 11, 2020
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  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    If your eyesight is good, it should be fairly easy to tell the difference between " a few bubbles floating by" and "dry".

    Sounds to me like your system needs to be serviced by a fully qualified hybrid AC mechanic........because DIY solutions are often disappointing and it ends up in the shop anyway.

    Note: if it is a simple leak because of a loose fitting, the cost shouldn't be THAT bad.
    Alas, that isn't often the case and a new compressor could run $1500.
     
    #3 sam spade 2, Jul 12, 2020
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Agree.

    This.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jul 12, 2020
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  5. Blake2100

    Blake2100 Junior Member

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    Okay thank you I'll do a little more investigation and have a pro hook up the guages. I'd hate to add freon with a DIY kit and mess something up. Thanks for the input
     
    #5 Blake2100, Jul 12, 2020
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Dealership up here charged me $150 CDN plus tax for a complete evacuation, test and recharge. Probably the safest bet. They quoted $150 all-in over the phone, and then did try to nickel-and-dime after, say "oh the gas is extra, and the...", guess it's in the blood.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jul 12, 2020
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  7. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    You need to pick the RIGHT "pro".
    Hybrids with their electric compressors are a little different.
     
    #7 sam spade 2, Jul 12, 2020
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