1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

"Check the Connection of the Air Conditioner" MFD Warning?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Kactus, Apr 8, 2022.

  1. Kactus

    Kactus Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2020
    39
    7
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    hello!

    my MFD isn't working. the screen shows: "check the connection of the air conditioner". actually, it will occassionally work but then not work for long periods.

    the prius boards point to a bad MFD screen as the main culprit. so I bought a used one off ebay that the seller said worked, but the problem persisted.

    problem solving:

    1. the ebay MFD could've also been broken.

    2. there's another issue that could be causing it? is anyone aware of another possible issue which could be causing this?

    **note, it could be a coincidence but the problem began just after I had a new aftermarket hybrid battery in? I've had no issues with the car or battery otherwise. taken it on long trips so the hybrid seems to work fine. but thought potentially there could be a link between the hybrid battery and the MFD? shot in the dark! ;0

    any thoughts on this greatly appreciated!

    cheers john
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    10,767
    4,370
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    How old is your 12volt battery? Have you tried putting it on a legit 12v charger for recharge? Also replace the cabin air filter and please give us some details on how well climate control works when screen is functional.
     
    Kactus likes this.
  3. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2017
    5,286
    4,225
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
  4. spdracrm3

    spdracrm3 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2019
    41
    36
    0
    Location:
    estacada or
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Had to have my MFD repaired at local computer shop for this condition(see MFD link above) i removed disassembled and took in and pointed out right where the suspected issue was as seen in link and they inspected and reflowd the entire connector. Working great 3 yrs on

    SM-G960U ?
     
  5. Kactus

    Kactus Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2020
    39
    7
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    hello...the 12v is almost brand new. and the cabin air filters have been replaced fairly recently as well. the screen doesn't work at all for the AC anymore. When it was of and on... the climate control worked fine. I could operate it with no issues. Then I'd park the car and try again an hour later and the same error message.

    Btw.... I just tried a different replacement MFD from ebay and am getting the same error message.
     
  6. Kactus

    Kactus Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2020
    39
    7
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    thanks SFO...I'd been thru a bunch of search results on MFD. but didn't see the one about the culprit possibly being the AC ECU? will search more in that direction.
     
  7. Kactus

    Kactus Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2020
    39
    7
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    thanks...but again i've replaced the MFD with two separate ebay units and getting the same error message>
     
  8. Kactus

    Kactus Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2020
    39
    7
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    hi again....I didn't want to assume anything with the 12v. I just did a voltage check using the MFD and the battery readings were:

    during test no accessories: 12.1 v
    stand by mode? (pressed power again): 11.9-11.7v
    engine on: 14.4v

    do those look right? I do remember now that I've replaced the 12v battery a few times in past year. I assumed I got a bad one? not sure if there's an underlying issue that draining it?
     
  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    10,767
    4,370
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Buying a decent 12v battery charger could improve your odds... But you want at least 12.6v at the jumper at the front of the car when car is off to be sure it's not gonna create any issues.
     
  10. alftoy

    alftoy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2009
    1,130
    505
    0
    Location:
    Saskatchewan, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Looks low. Get a digital battery load tester $29 KONNWEI KW208 from the "River"

    Test it properly at front jump point.
     

    Attached Files:

  11. Kactus

    Kactus Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2020
    39
    7
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    actually have one and did a test this AM from the battery itself:

    after sitting overnight: 12.41v
    standby mode: 12.33v (slowly rising)
    load test (headlights 20 sec): 12.26v
    car on: 14.10v
     
  12. Kactus

    Kactus Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2020
    39
    7
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    cheers- i did a proper test w/ meter this AM after the car was sitting overnight. if I need to be at 12.6v with car off, i'm about .2 below that (see new readings below), could that little amount cause the MFD issue?

    after sitting overnight: 12.41v
    standby mode: 12.33v (slowly rising)
    load test (headlights 20 sec): 12.26v
    car on: 14.10v
     
  13. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    23,064
    14,970
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Not by a country mile.
     
    Kactus likes this.