AC on 2006

If you want to know what I think? Condenser is probably dirty? Compressor doesn't seem to have failed. There was never a code. So something clogged rhymes with blow out escape valve. No one thinks the diy can caused the problem. Hardly any fluid seems to have entered the system by the volume in the can. Both AI and the shop dont think the diy can caused this. Though I was surprised when prius chat mechanics think that it could have done this. There is too much oil on the splash shield for me to even want to turn the ac on.AI only wants to replace condenser. But one has to take to the shop each time something is tried. Lines might need to be flushed. Recharge is like 200.

 

IDK are you saying I simply overcharged it? It was hard to work with. I had twist top. It started at like 35 or so and i would start to shake the can and it would just blow out and then it would just do that over and over again. 30 psi and then quick to 70 psi blow out and repeat? Its like nothing is wrong it just needs to be taken and properly charged?

 

what about to go somewhere else and pay for an actual diagnosis?

 

Actually I think this is the most appropriate thing todo. Even if i sell the car I want to know whats wrong with it. Should be like 200-300 at a dealer maybe 150 independent. Tell them I will DIY off of results. Ai says to get specific readings.

A/C DIAGNOSTIC – REQUIRED READINGS (Prius‑specific)
1. Static Pressure (Engine OFF)

• Record PSI.
  

2. Low‑Side Pressure (A/C ON, Max Cool)

• Record PSI.
  

3. High‑Side Pressure (A/C ON, Max Cool)

• Record PSI.
  

4. Vent Temperature (Center Vent)

• Record °F.
  

5. Compressor Current Draw (Electric Compressor)

• Record Amps.
  

6. Refrigerant Weight Recovered (If evacuated)

• Record grams or pounds.
  

7. Leak Test Results

• Pass / Fail
  
  
• If fail: location of leak.
  

8. Condenser Fan Operation

• Both fans ON? Yes / No.

9. Scan Tool Data

• Compressor commanded speed vs actual
  
  
• Any A/C‑related codes
  

10. Ambient Conditions

• Outside temp
  
  
• Cabin temp
  

 

I can turn it on for a couple of minutes and see if it cools. My thought is that it probably does.

 

It runs and cools with no noise. Its 85F this morning and I was able to hook the gauge up and got a 33psi reading. If you ask me if I think its possible I overcharged it, I would say yes. Its a cheap hose without a trigger release so you just twist the top. I thought i was going to have to work at it to get refrigerant in there. The pressure wasn't building at all then it built too fast and blew out. Oddly no one really warns or reports this blowing out the valve which I would think would be common'ish. AI and the local shop described it as impossible. When we look at whats happening the system seems to stay pressured up after a blow out. I probably lost anywhere from a tbsp to a 1/4 cup of oil i would estimate. Lets review 1) ai thinks the condenser is clogged classic text book behavior it says. 2)shop thinks the compressor grenaded 3) prius chat thinks I simply overcharged it? How do I proceed?