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Gen 2 > Refrigerant Compressor Failure?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Crystalyzed_Nate, Mar 5, 2023.

  1. Crystalyzed_Nate

    Crystalyzed_Nate New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    DFW, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Hey there! Just ran into an odd problem with my gen 2 here.

    Ever since the weather began warming up, I've noticed that occasionally my A/C would not blow as cold as it normally would on MAX COLD.

    Earlier today I noticed the fan speed began rapidly fluctuating, with the master warning light coming up soon after. Upon restart, the fan returned to normal but there was absolutely no cold air at all. On the outside, no compressor noise.

    I did check the A/C codes and simply got a 00 in the box. I'm guessing my compressor just gave up, but before I go out looking for another I wanted to get an answer on whether or not such a failure actually can cause an MWL. No other issues with the car aside from that, and the traction battery was replaced less than a month ago.
     
    #1 Crystalyzed_Nate, Mar 5, 2023
  2. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
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    Four
    I would suggest scanning all ecu's on the car with a capable scantool to see why the master warning light came on.
    Here's a review of several apps and OBD2 devices.

    The compressor is powered from the HV system, so it's possible. Or the inverter coolant pump might have given up, or some fault related to the recent battery install.

    https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/3290690

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 mr_guy_mann, Mar 5, 2023
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    Two
    If you have a problem with your inverter cooling pump or your hybrid battery getting old you'll first notice the AC doesn't perform very well because the ECU is giving less power to it when those problems come up.

    Also Prius AC is a variable pressure system so if you're low on refrigerant it has to be added by weight not pressure.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Mar 5, 2023
  4. Crystalyzed_Nate

    Crystalyzed_Nate New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2023
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    Location:
    DFW, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Update on this, pretty sure the inverter's cooling pump is what gave up. After cooling off it stopped complaining, then a handful of miles later everything came back again.

    This time, power steering and ABS kept cutting in and out. Checked the inverter's pump later and... no turbulence.
     
    #4 Crystalyzed_Nate, Mar 6, 2023
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