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AC issues!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Joshua, Sep 8, 2012.

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  1. Joshua

    Joshua Junior Member

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    I know how to operate the AC so please no replies saying did you have the button pushed......

    First, sometimes when I get in and take off headed to work the AC blows ice cold all the way to work wonderfully.

    Then sometimes I get in and head to town and it will not blow cold to save my life and it was 80+ degrees outside, it would only seem to blow outside air in through the vent.

    Also other times it will start out cold then after a few minutes it will stop blowing cold air and star blowing warm outside air again, but the AC button is still on and it ramps the fan up trying to cool to my selected temperature, but can't possibly ever achieve it due to not blowing cold air.

    Most of the time if I notice it's not getting cold, I will pull over turn the car off for a few minutes then crank it back up and it will work fine.

    It's aggravating me gravely!!!

    Has anyone experienced anything like this?

    Any suggestions on what to do? I plan on taking to my dealer next week.
     
    #1 Joshua, Sep 8, 2012
  2. A_Man

    A_Man Junior Member

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    I have the same problem in my 2001 Toyota Echo (so far the Prius is OK). Yours may be the same, or some other component. After extensive diagnosis, it was determined that the problem is the the compressor clutch. The wiring wound in that part degrades, and as it heats up, it stops working. When the car cools down, it works again (not always though) - parking overnight guarantees that it works in the morning for the first few miles. When the AC cools, it cools great. Other possibilities that were considered, and ruled out after testing were the various relays, wiring, connectors, gas pressure, gas leaks etc.
     
    #2 A_Man, Sep 8, 2012
  3. Joshua

    Joshua Junior Member

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    I was thinking something along those lines or the compressor building up to much pressure and kicking off because of a high pressure sensor that resets once the car is turned off.

    But Im not 100% on exactly how the Prius AC system works on the Prius compared to a normal car.

    I thought I read somewhere that whatever it uses as a compressor is ran by the EV motor not the gas motor, but I'm not sure.
     
    #3 Joshua, Sep 8, 2012
  4. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Prius since Gen 2 has used an electric AC compressor. On your Gen 3, if you look under the hood, you'll notice there are no belts. You should see an engine pulley connected to nothing.

    AC question | PriusChat has a brief presentation about it.
     
    #4 cwerdna, Sep 8, 2012
  5. Joshua

    Joshua Junior Member

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    Ok, thanks for clearing that up,

    now have to find out why it seems to be turning off randomly.
     
    #5 Joshua, Sep 8, 2012
  6. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    I don't have a solution to your problem. What if you don't use auto and just set the temp to LO w/AC on?
     
    #6 cwerdna, Sep 8, 2012
  7. Joshua

    Joshua Junior Member

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    Doesn't matter I've tried that, once it starts blowing warm it never gets cold again until the car has been turned off for a few minutes and then turned back on.
     
    #7 Joshua, Sep 8, 2012
  8. jim256

    jim256 Member

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    Maybe a "low freon" detection switch cutting off the compressor, but pressure just high enough at initial start to be OK (or a defective freon pressure switch)? Best course is the dealer.
     
    #8 jim256, Sep 9, 2012
  9. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    You don't by chance have the HV battery vent blocked do you? I'm wondering if the HV battery is too hot if it will not allow the AC to work fully because of the extra load it puts on the battery. An 1,800w draw is quite a strain. I know that when the battery is hot it will not allow you to engage EV Mode. Just a random thought. :)
     
    #9 F8L, Sep 9, 2012
  10. Joshua

    Joshua Junior Member

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    Is that the vent in the backseat? If so then no. If that isn't it then I'm unsure of what it is.
     
    #10 Joshua, Sep 9, 2012
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it is.
     
    #11 bisco, Sep 9, 2012
  12. Joshua

    Joshua Junior Member

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    Dropping it off tomorrow evening.

    Should the dealership give me a loaner car since I haven't even had it a week yet?
     
    #12 Joshua, Sep 9, 2012
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes.
     
    #13 bisco, Sep 9, 2012
  14. jim256

    jim256 Member

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    Most dealer will--but if you have an appointment and mention that when making it, it lets them plan ahead and save one for you if they have a lot of demand for loaners that day.
     
    #14 jim256, Sep 10, 2012
  15. Joshua

    Joshua Junior Member

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    I called and will get a rental whenever i can drop it off.
     
    #15 Joshua, Sep 10, 2012
  16. adamace1

    adamace1 Senior Member

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    Keep us updated.

    I'm guessing a ac radiator fan not running...
     
    #16 adamace1, Sep 10, 2012
  17. Joshua

    Joshua Junior Member

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    I doubt that, because it would work driving down the road then and only quit working at a stop.

    But it's there I'm driving a corolla and hopefully will find out tomorrow what they think.
     
    #17 Joshua, Sep 10, 2012
  18. Joshua

    Joshua Junior Member

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    they are replacing the compressor and filter/drier. Should have it back tomorrow.
     
    #18 Joshua, Sep 11, 2012
    cwerdna likes this.
  19. tach18k

    tach18k Member

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    Hmmm, thats a big repair for a new car,
     
    #19 tach18k, Sep 11, 2012
  20. Joshua

    Joshua Junior Member

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    service manager said its actually the 2nd one they have done in the last few months.
     
    #20 Joshua, Sep 11, 2012
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