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Catalytic Converter stolen and replaced, now have A/C issues

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Banshee, Feb 28, 2022.

  1. Banshee

    Banshee Junior Member

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    Hi all, a hopefully quick question.

    My catalytic converter was stolen last October and was replaced, but I noticed a couple weeks later that when I tried to use my A/C, it's only blowing hot air. It was working just fine before then.

    I'm wondering if the A/C could have been damaged when the converter was stolen? Or did the A/C just decide to fail at the same time?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Banshee, Feb 28, 2022
    mr_guy_mann likes this.
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Did you install an Oem original Toyota catalytic converter? The AC should not have anything to do with the Catalytic converter.

    What's the car's history?
     
    #2 JC91006, Feb 28, 2022
    SFO likes this.
  3. JahT

    JahT Member

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    I assume you mean that the AC is not getting cold anymore? Did you notice it getting less and less cold? Or do you notice it being colder on the passenger side than on the driver side? Or was it a sudden change and doesn't blow "coolish" at all?
     
    #3 JahT, Feb 28, 2022
  4. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Unless the thieves decided to put the jack under the compressor or the condenser (and damaged one of those), I think it unlikely that the 2 are related.

    I would "forget" that the cat was stolen and just diagnose the A/C by itself.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #4 mr_guy_mann, Mar 1, 2022
  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Nope it’s just age.

    You have a leak it’s probably not been very cold for awhile. Very bad for compressor not fully charged. Compressor is crazy expensive.

    It may be leak in evap coil under the dash. Very common. Pre Covid mine failed $1100.

    Take it to Car AC shop. They’ll charge it up with dye and find the leak.
    Don’t take it to the dealer.

    To any lurkers the PRIUS G2 has a fantastic AC system it should be really cold on high. If not you have a very slow leak and that should be addressed
    Before it kills the compressor.
     
    #5 edthefox5, Mar 2, 2022
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