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Air Conditioning failure!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by benlenz, Jul 30, 2007.

  1. benlenz

    benlenz Junior Member

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    Sunday, my air conditioner (the cooling part) just stopped working. I got in and started driving, hit the A/C Auto button and got only hot air. Everything was 100% fine the day before.

    So, the fan works. Which means it's most likely the compressor. I have noticed that when I turn it on, I don't hear the usual "jet engine startup" noise (like a rising pitch whine) I usually hear. What I do hear is like a rapid "tap-tap-tap-tap-tap" and then nothing, and then the tapping again.

    To me it sounds like the compressor drive motor ain't drivin'. Or the compressor is seized.

    Thankfully it's still under warranty. :D

    I guess I'm wondering if maybe with all the prius's complexity, there's like a reset button I need to press and the whole thing is fine again. Anyone know that button?

    Thanks
     
    #1 benlenz, Jul 30, 2007
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    the POWER button? lol.

    Hmm, I don't know. Hopefully it's nothing too major.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Jul 30, 2007
  3. seasalsa

    seasalsa Active Member

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    Sounds like several other reported instances of a rock knocking a hole in the AC condenser. That's a road hazard and not a warranty event.
     
    #3 seasalsa, Jul 30, 2007
  4. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(garbageman @ Jul 30 2007, 07:14 PM) [snapback]487769[/snapback]</div>
    The most commonly reported cause of air-conditioning failure is road debris damage to the condenser which results in loss of refrigerant. That, unfortunately, is not covered by the warranty but may be by your car insurance.
     
    #4 IsrAmeriPrius, Jul 30, 2007
  5. Malarkey

    Malarkey New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Jul 30 2007, 10:33 PM) [snapback]487788[/snapback]</div>
    Has anyone successfully protected the condenser? I worry about stuff like this...
     
    #5 Malarkey, Jul 30, 2007
  6. benlenz

    benlenz Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Jul 30 2007, 07:33 PM) [snapback]487788[/snapback]</div>

    Uh oh.

    I have the extended warranty. Does that help?
     
    #6 benlenz, Jul 31, 2007
  7. lchamp

    lchamp Veteran Member

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    I have the exact opposite problem. Yesterday, my a/c fan stopped working. I have checked the fuses...that one under the dash is a real trick.

    I know the cooling system works, because when I let air flow through, cool air flows (slowly) from the vent.

    I couldn't get an appointment today, so tomorrow will be the day to learn if it is a serious problem.
     
    #7 lchamp, Jul 31, 2007
  8. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(garbageman @ Jul 31 2007, 12:49 AM) [snapback]487901[/snapback]</div>
    No. Do you have comprehensive coverage as part of you car insurance policy? That would cover it.
     
    #8 IsrAmeriPrius, Jul 31, 2007
  9. exito3

    exito3 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(garbageman @ Jul 30 2007, 09:14 PM) [snapback]487769[/snapback]</div>
    BTW. Did you had it fixed? What was the problem? I have the same problem
     
    #9 exito3, Aug 22, 2007
  10. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Malarkey @ Jul 30 2007, 10:34 PM) [snapback]487807[/snapback]</div>
    Yes, I made a screen out of that black plastic gutter guard you apply to your eavestrough to keep the leaves out. Since I'm always finding small rocks embedded in the gutter guard, it must be working fine. This has been covered before, but the following photos will assist you
     

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    #10 jayman, Aug 22, 2007
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