recharging prius a/c

If it were me, I'd bring it in to the dealer. System is similar enough to the Gen II for those posts to be applicable. Special non-conductive oil, only use gauging and refilling hoses that have had only that oil in them, not too little or too much refrigerant, your system has a hole in it if it has lost its charge so that will need to be found and fixed. Probably expensive to fix, but much more expensive if you create more damage.

 

I'm a DIY type of person.

That said, past experience with self-maintenance of A/C systems boils down to this....

1. If it's an older vehicle and odds are you're eventually going to have to do a full fix (compressor, expansion orifice, drier, vacuum and recharge), try the DIY kits.

2. If it's a newer vehicle and it might just need topping off (most all A/C systems loose some charge over time without having a "leak" per se), take it to a pro qualified to do the work IF you don't have the right equipment (and know how) to do it yourself.

Most DIY items are "short term" solutions to a bigger issue.

 

If the AC system lost all the refrigerant, first, the leakage will have be to be found and repair, may require new parts replaced.
After all the mechanicals are sound, the evaporative system will have to be vacuumed with a pump, then new refrigerant will have to be add and monitor with the appropriate gauges for the type of refrigerant.
I will tend to said that this type of repairs are not a DIY type of fix for an inexperienced one.

 

If the compressor failed, amons it you will have to replace " the orifice", more likely and a line dryer. Use brand new parts !!! and have it done professionally.

 

have you tried the on line repair manual?

 

Also, insist on OEM parts if you have someone other than Toyota do it. From experience, the OEM parts should hold up as long as the parts the vehicle came with. Most all aftermarket parts have only a 1-year warranty (some places double it if you let them do the work), but it's not uncommon for them to fail within 3 years. At $800 +/- for a full A/C repair (older tech), that's a lot for it to fail so soon. OEM part are not that much more expensive than the aftermarket options.

 

I doubt the Prius is THAT different from any other car's A/C except in how it's driven. Unplug, unbolt, replace, seal and check system for leaks, then recharge with oil and refrigerant. That's why having someone with the training and tools is the smart move. It's not hard work, but without the right tools or know how, you could bungle it and shorten the lifespan of the new parts.

 

i think the difference is high voltage compressor motor and special oil?

 

What is the whole story? How do you know it is the compressor?

 

he said he'd be back with pics and the whole story. i'm waiting, get in line please.

 

Okay! Okay!, Jeeze!