Gen 2 2007 AC issue!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Ohem, May 18, 2026 at 7:38 AM.

  1. Ohem

    Ohem Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2023
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    Location:
    Sweden
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi!

    I've been having a problem with my AC, and I can't pinpoint when it occurred, as I haven't always needed it on at most times. Since about somewhere in March the AC didn't quite blow cold, it wasn't an issue as the ambient temp wasn't that hot to begin with and I didn't think much of it. But now it's warmer and now it's an issue.

    I refilled the system with an AC in a can, and it hasn't made a difference. I can hear the compressor go "brnnnnnn" whenever it's turned on, and the AC diagnostic system gives me "00" so no issues there, but I don't know if it's reliable. But I can't see any "snow" in the glass on the "High" side, can't tell if the mixing doors move because of the sound of the blower motor. There's no smoke to see or smell a leak.

    I'm on disability, so any suggestions or tips that don't require a mechanic would be much appreciated.
     
    #1 Ohem, May 18, 2026 at 7:38 AM
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
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    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It's a variable pressure system so adding AC in a can to a specific pressure is likely to cause more harm than it solves. The DIY solution is a vacuum pump to evacuate the system and add exact weight of refrigerant and lubricant. Of course this will only work if you have an AC compressor that's working correctly. So all this would likely lead to paying an Auto AC shop that regularly works on Prius to have a look at it for a diagnosis.

    Have you changed the cabin air filter or run the system without the filter? Maybe there's a cause beyond the AC system?

    If you do have a bad compressor you can buy a used one from a wrecked Prius or a cheap aftermarket/rebuilt one online and install it yourself and figure out the weight of an empty can refrigerent and lubricant and subtract that number from a full can to inject the correct amounts.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, May 18, 2026 at 3:12 PM
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