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evaporator replacement question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Phaul80, Jun 3, 2024.

  1. Phaul80

    Phaul80 Junior Member

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    @lech auto air conditionin

    i got a quote for 3400 to replace the evaporator and some other bits to get the ac running ice cold again. gen 2 with 181k miles. shop is known for prius work in my city.

    since the part itself is relatively cheap, i could tackle this repair on my own, rent a car or Uber everywhere for a few days, while the prius is in pieces in my driveway, and come out ahead. youve stated in old threads that OEM evaporator is the only way to go, so im posting here to get your attention to see if you have any tips on other odds and ends to take care of while the dash is taken apart.

    thanks!
     
    #1 Phaul80, Jun 3, 2024
  2. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Considering the labor overlap, I would think about replacing the heater core, maybe "cleaning" or replacing the actuators for the A/C air doors.

    If you haven't repaired the CM with new capacitors, now would be the time.

    Also, if the evaporator has been a problem for more than a week or so, then the receiver drier should be renewed. It's located in part of the condenser, and if there's any corrosion then usually just replace the condenser assembly as well.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 mr_guy_mann, Jun 3, 2024
  3. netsplit

    netsplit Junior Member

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    It took me two weeks when I replaced my evaporator. I didn't know what I was doing, but I did it anyway!

    The biggest gotchas I remember is you need to use the right A/C oil. You can't use oil for normal car A/Cs it needs to be a special hybrid oil because the A/C is connected to the high voltage system. Normal A/C oil will cause a short. A lot of A/C cans have oil in them and it's the wrong kind so be careful.

    Also label all your plugs on the wiring harness, make sure you work with a friend. You need more than two hands for some of the disassembly of the dash.
     
    #3 netsplit, Jun 6, 2024
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Maybe worthwhile to do all the wrenching, then take to dealership for testing/evacuation/recharge?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jun 8, 2024
  5. Carall

    Carall Member

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    I replaced the A/C evaporator core on a 2005 Prius in June 2023. I installed this A/C evaporator core.
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PJDAIM
    When I removed the top of the dash and was about to disassemble it further, the thought came to me to look from above to see signs of the evaporator core was leaking. I was able to see that the bottom of the evaporator core was wet.
     
    #5 Carall, Jun 9, 2024
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