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AC Dead today - need some help before I head to the dealer

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Bluesman78, Apr 19, 2019.

  1. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    First time turning on the AC after winter. No cold air coming after driving around for 10 minutes. Cabin air filter is clean, anything I'm missing here before I have to dig deeper?

    Thanks.
     
    #1 Bluesman78, Apr 19, 2019
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    temp set to 'low'?
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 19, 2019
  3. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    No I put it on 68 degrees. I will try low and see what happens.
     
    #3 Bluesman78, Apr 19, 2019
  4. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Couple things:

    I recently had the inverter coolant pump changed.

    AC Light doesn't come on unless I hit AUTO.

    Temp set to LOW

    Still ran warm. Checked the codes per this website got a 12, 21, 23 flashing
     
    #4 Bluesman78, Apr 19, 2019
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2019
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i don't know the blink codes, do you?

    can you hear the compressor?
     
    #5 bisco, Apr 19, 2019
  6. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    I don't know what the compressor sounds like but I don't hear anything when the car is on except the engine.

    I hope its just the refrigerant.
     
    #6 Bluesman78, Apr 19, 2019
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    when the engine shuts off, you can usually hear a pretty good sound coming from the compressor if you turn it on and off.
     
    #7 bisco, Apr 19, 2019
  8. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    I hear dead silence... What are the possibilities. I don't know if I want to spend $1200 on a compressor for a 2006 car even if the miles are low.
     
    #8 Bluesman78, Apr 19, 2019
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it could just be a wiring issue. rodents? that said, it will take some investigation. you should get the service manual for the blink codes to start, or maybe google can find them.

    if you do need a compressor, salvage may be the way to go.
     
    #9 bisco, Apr 19, 2019
  10. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Codes are listed in the repair manual.

    21 is the solar sensor code. You'll always have that code, unless strong light is shining on the sensor at the time you read the codes. So it's never a problem (unless strong light is shining and you still have the code).

    12 has to do with the ambient temperature sensor (the one behind the front bumper). That reading gets back to the A/C ECU by a bit of a twisty path: the sensor is connected to the engine ECU, which takes readings and then sends the data over to the A/C ECU over the network. Troubleshooting hints in the manual run five pages.

    23 has to do with the refrigerant pressure switch. Causes could be actual refrigerant pressure too low or too high, switch problem, wiring problem. Troubleshooting steps, four pages.
     
    #10 ChapmanF, Apr 19, 2019
  11. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Thanks!!

    Would it make sense if there is insufficient refrigerant that the compressor wouldn't turn on. I read for other cars that the compressor won't run unless there is enough fluid.

    My car is 2006 Prius with 115K miles.

    Could a regular mechanic start by recharging the AC system?
     
    #11 Bluesman78, Apr 19, 2019
  12. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I don't think I would call anybody a "regular mechanic" who would start by adding charge without first investigating to find out what the problem was.
     
    #12 ChapmanF, Apr 19, 2019
  13. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    I think I mean do only dealers look at this and what kind of repairs could i expect. Old car just not sure what to Spend on this
     
    #13 Bluesman78, Apr 20, 2019
  14. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Sure, independent A/C shoppes can do it. Some of them will be scared off because it's a hyyyybbbrrriiidddd. Some of them will not be scared off but should be (it is essential that they know not to use any conventional oil in the system, or even tools/hoses that have touched conventional oil).

    That's the main thing they have to know. Find a shop that knows that and isn't scared off, and it's just A/C work.
     
    #14 ChapmanF, Apr 20, 2019
  15. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    A/C Recharge, $130 later and nice cool cabin!!! Lucky it wasn’t the compressor. Thanks priuschat friends for all the advice!!!
     
    #15 Bluesman78, Apr 20, 2019
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  16. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Did they find where the leak was?
     
    #16 ChapmanF, Apr 20, 2019
  17. Bluesman78

    Bluesman78 Member

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    Shop was closed when I went to pick up the car but will find out. They are a certified AC independent shop. Highly reputable. Maybe he was doing me a favor becuse the car is old and probably knew this would probably get me through the summer.
     
    #17 Bluesman78, Apr 20, 2019
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