AC replacement cost - $3500?!?!

The condenser is cheap (< $200) but a new compressor's more expensive (closer to $1k). The oil is also not cheap.

I'm not an expert but it still sounds high for the replacement so definitely get a second opinion.

If it does turn out to need complete replacement you could do with finding somewhere that will buy salvage parts for you.

They might be hoping your insurance will cover it, you're desperate to be cool and you wouldn't question the cost.

 

Unfortunately, you are looking at $2000 for a repair with new parts ($1500 MSRP). But $3500? No.

There is a place in Columbia, MD that was added to the hybrid shop list. Try them for a second opinion. It is not clear that the compressor needs to be replaced if you are not yet getting high voltage triangle of death codes.

Preferred Independent Hybrid Car Repair and Service Shops | Hybrid Cars

 

FYI the condenser is typically deep inside the dash and they typically have to rip the whole thing out, so I believe $3500 if parts are $2000 (give or take a few hundred dollars)

 

The condenser is located in front of the radiator and isn't hard to replace (hardwarewise). The evaporator is the one that's buried deep inside the dash.

 

The condenser is a few hours of work to replace. I bought a new aftermarket one for $150 3 years ago. You will need to add 10CC of ND-11 oil or CarQuest Hybrid oil, which I used. You should be able to find a good AC shop that knows about the Hybrid oil, and your total cost should be under $1000, provided that is all that is needed. The drier is part of the condensor, so you won't need to change that, as you do with most AC systems after a major leak.

 

1. Since your OP said that road debris caused your AC system problem, typically the condenser (located in front of the radiator) is the part that is damaged.

2. However, your post #8 indicates that the AC compressor hose broke off, which is unusual.

3. The reason that your dealer suggested replacing the condenser is that in the event that the compressor produced debris as the hose broke and the compressor failed, some debris may be lodged in the condenser and the passages in the condenser are too small to be effectively purged of that debris.

4. Apparently, the tech at your third repair shop believes that is not a problem, hence he is not asking you to replace the condenser at this time. After the compressor is replaced, you'll find out whether any other problems exist or not.

 

I don't think so, as yours is the first case of this that I have ever heard of. To be honest, rock damage to the condenser happens all the time, and that's what most of us were thinking.

That said, I think you are in good hands with the second mechanic. Further, I would be interested in buying the old compressor. Please pm me if you are interested.

 

The tubes to the compressor are removable. You should just be able to replace the tube, unless the compressor casting is cracked.

 

I'm still trying to figure out how this could happen. You said a rock did this? Is the black plastic splash guard still in place underneath the car?

 

That seems a little overpriced for a new ac unit. I would shop around, you can always find one somewhere other than the dealer for cheaper.

 

This seems very expensive but that's the price you pay when you visit their dealership. If I were you, I'll source all the cost of parts online from a Toyota site of some kind. These sites will usually sell you OEM Toyota parts at 20% + below MSRP. Take it to a local mechanic and have it done there, probably be less then $2k in the end. And I'm pretty sure the Prius AC runs on R134 Refrigerant, is $6 a can at Walmart or your local auto part store, probably need like 2 cans.

 

!! IF YOU PUT TWO CANS OF r134 IN A PRIUS YOU WILL NEED A COMPRESSOR AFTER YOU JUST BURNED IT UP!!! one can = 12 oz two= 24oz please look up the SPEC: decal under the hood. If you are just 2oz over this is bad for a pruis on a hot day if you put two cans in " can we spell thermal nuclear melt down!!!""................

 

I didn't have the exact specs for AC fill but almost all at home auto AC recharge kit comes wit a hose and a guage attached to it that shows how much refigrant is left and how full the system is. Being a AC shop, I'm pretty sure you know what I'm talking about. No one in the right mind will goes pass full mark if the guage indicated it's full.

 

I have manifold gauge envy