My 2010 Toyota Prius AC no longer blows cold air and there is a rubber smell when the heater is on.

I took my 200000 mile Prius to a garage that is highly recommended and the mechanic stated that I need a new evaporator and expansion valve. He tested the car for a day. There was no time to do the fix so I arranged for a dealership that I trust to do the job. When they were ready to do the work, they detected no leak in the evaporator, but said that the compressor, expansion valve, and AC line needed replacement. (They showed me the leak in the compressor with special glasses.) After I called the first mechanic with the new info, he said that he could detect a leak nowhere, but, in the evaporator, and, at the expansion valve area. I am now stymied as to what I should do. Any advise? I am in the Philadelphia, Pa. area. If you know of any reputable people, I could use a name or 2. Thank you!

 

Thank you for the responses. Yes. The cost would be bad. Both places ran the tests, solely, to detect leaks, as I requested. Ironically,I just donated my 350000 mi 2005 prius, that hardly ever had maintenance issues, to a charity. ( I'm in sales so I can run up 75000 miles in a year.) I wish there was a simple way to assess the problem. Do you think its wise to use salvage for AC parts?

 

Actually, THAT 2005 had some problems also. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.