AC irregularity

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Leonard AZ, Apr 30, 2026 at 8:37 PM.

  1. Leonard AZ

    Leonard AZ New Member

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    Location:
    Tucson
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
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    N/A
    My 2006 Prius has a problem that AC mechanics have never heard of. Periodically unit will stop blowing cold air. It will blow slightly humid for a few minutes then nothing but warm. A while later, 20 minutes to an hour or so. I will have parked to do an errand and when I start it works fine... for 3 - 6 months! Every shop I have talked to tell me to bring it in for diagnostics. I brought it to my regular mechanic and he did a tune-up and recharge - took less than 1/4 pound of coolant - it didn't help.

    Has anyone had a similar problem?
     
    #1 Leonard AZ, Apr 30, 2026 at 8:37 PM
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
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    II
    Your regular mechanic is probably the problem. The symptom you are having is usually because the refrigerant is low.

    The normal way the system is charged, they removed ALL THE REFRIGERANT on the car (with a machine), and then add in the proper amount. If your mechanic didn't do that, then low refrigerant may still be an issue.
     
    #2 JC91006, May 1, 2026 at 10:18 AM
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