Air conditioning and heating not working

No, it wouldn't have any bearing on the A/C but changing it would be a good idea because the engine would appreciate it.

You really should have an A/C professional diagnose and fix your A/C.

 

Agree with Dolj, you should get a professional to check the A/C properly using the relevant diagnostics equipment. I am however, puzzled by your lack of heating.

I just had mine repaired after approximately 4 years of the A/C not working. My heating was fine for the winter months however.
Had mine charged up with the approved Freon equivalent by my Toyota dealer 2 or 3 times, but the gas always leaked out after 2 weeks. My request for the system to be diagnosed and fixed by Toyota was unsuccessful, with them telling me they couldn’t trace any gas leakage!

An independent professional A/C specialist (not Toyota this time round!) recently diagnosed a leaking A/C condenser and advised replacing it - which was duly done by the independent A/C professional.
Interestingly, after the condenser was removed, it was discovered the radiator also had a long term pinhole leak - and the almost 16 year old radiator was in surprisingly bad shape too.

Both items were duly replaced at the same time and once recharged, the A/C has since worked like a charm - just in time for the hot London (UK) summer heatwave.

Ergo, I would confirm having a professional A/C specialist look at it is always the best way to go - they can likely repair it much cheaper than Toyota can too. Compatible replacement parts are readily available on the market.

However, it is important that they’re very knowledgeable about the 2nd Gen Prius HVAC systems, so they can effectively repair it properly.


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