2011 Prius a/c compressor not functioning

Dennis Williams · Jun 8, 2020

KevEng said: ↑

Yes, an expensive repair at a dealer. Turns out the compressor was in fact locked up. They wanted close to $4k. I purchased the car used, so I don't know the history of it. Of the oil was low, it could have overheated and seized... if the refrigerant was low, it won't carry the oil with it and can overheat the system and seize. The compressor also cools itself down with refrigerant so if that wasn't functioning correctly it can go just bc if that.

Instead of forking cash over to the dealer, I ordered a salvaged compressor ($125) from a local yard, and purchased the rest of the parts needed (condensor/drier, expansion valve, etc) from RockAuto online for less than $175. Had a local station evacuate my system (free) and then did the work myself. After 6hrs or so of labor (learning along the way) I was ready for vacuum the system and a refill. Saved a ton of $... I purchased my own set of lines/gauges and a vacuum (<$250). (Careful of cross-contaminating w other vehicles)

Don't simply replace the compressor and not the other parts. When emptying the oil from the system there always a lot of metal shavings (looked like glitter). Removing the desiccant, some of it (though not much) made it in there, so the entire condenser should be replaced. I held off on the expansion valve as that is located inside the dash system (at minimum 6hrs of work if you know what you are doing, I hear).

Now my a/c I fixed - I get cold air on my long work commutes.
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how much AC compressor oil do U add to a purged system when replace with new compressor.? Gen3 Prius

ASRDogman · Jun 9, 2020

How much came out? Poor out the oil in the old one, then put that same amount, of NEW oil,
in the new compressor.

Dennis Williams said: ↑

how much AC compressor oil do U add to a purged system when replace with new compressor.? Gen3 Prius
Click to expand...

refusedone · May 17, 2026 at 9:15 AM

I have a compressor that lost some of its oil, but not sure how much. I’m thinking of draining the remaining, and adding the recommended amount of new oil. When draining 3rd Gen AC compressors, is it possible to get all of the oil out? I ask bc many instructional vids say to turn the belt drive to get all the oil out, but these are electric and not belt driven…

2011 Prius a/c compressor not functioning

Dennis Williams New Member

ASRDogman Senior Member

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2011 Prius a/c compressor not functioning

Dennis Williams New Member

ASRDogman Senior Member

refusedone Junior Member