Bought a 2005 used knowing the AC compressor needed to be replaced (previous owners brought it to dealer for a fix but didn’t want to pay $3500 for the job). I had a backyard mechanic (i know, bad idea for a hybrid) take a look and he confirmed the compressor was done. I put off fixing it for a couple hot summers. Then, two months ago, the car gets the red triangle. I pull the code and confirm the inverter water pump needs replacing and do it myself. Life goes on. Three days ago I notice the climate is set to 78 so I turn it down and then figure, what the heck, I’ll try the AC again. And, it started blowing cold air. It’s continued to work and I hear the metallic hum of the compressor. A) what happened? B) if it stops working again, what can I tell the mechanic because it’s clearly not the compressor.
I had tried it previously. And it didn’t work. What’s even crazier is I just now took a hill and I got the red triangle again. I pulled the code and it’s giving me the P0A93 code—inverter coolant performance. But I just replaced the cooler.
I just realized that the inverter cooler code may have been sitting in the code puller. I looked at secondary codes and it pulled up a ton saying things about right volt sensor not working etc. I did the 12 volt battery check as seen in another thread and with the engine off it sits at 11.9 and with the engine on it sits at 14.1. I will say it seemed like the main battery (the one on the display) seems like it’s been draining waaaay faster since the AC turned on and the engine has felt sluggish since the AC turned on. Right now it’s showing red triangle and check engine.
The codes are: C0371 1271 1272 1273 1274 1275 1276 1277 1278 1281 1346 P0111 Thank you so much for replying!
I believe I figured out the red triangle. The coolant drained somewhere after I parked. I assume either a leak or a crack in radiator. Still don’t know why the AC works.
You fixed the inverter issue. Software in the corresponding ECU cancels a/c operation if there's an inverter problem because the electric a/c compressor draws HUGE power when in use. This would quickly run down the HV battery which couldn't get a recharge because the inverter isn't working. You probably still have an a/c issue. Many times it's just a worn out compressor or the wrong oil/refrigerant was put in causing a short. See this current thread: AC recharge. I used the wrong fluid. Prius V 2014 | PriusChat
Probably have a weak HV battery too; especially if it's original. I think most of those are red-herrings. Suggest disconnecting 12v for a few minutes and then rescan for codes.
Thanks for your thoughts. Makes sense. It’s still blowing cold after it restarted. It’s very very loud though. I guess I’ll see what happens.