I found local mechanic who would inspect the refrigerant leak for only $25. So I went to the auto-part store to get some dye yet most products on the shelf have a sticker that reads "Not for hybrid/electric vehicles with non-belt driven compressors." My mechanic also have told me that "Toyota doesn't approve any dyes because of the type of oil for the compressor. There are some versions of hybrid oil that already have dye in it but they are expensive and not approved by Toyota. Toyota says to drain or flush compressor oil after using leak detection dye. That is expensive so I suggest replacing all the o-rings (which, in his opinion, is most common place of leaks) that can be accessed and vacuum and refill (for $90)." Is $90 good deal for the service he mentioned? Even if it is, I want to find the leak and what the real problem is before I fill the refrigerant and blindly hope for fix. What do you suggest? Is it really that expensive to drain and flush compressor oil after using the dye? Sorry if I don't make a lot of sense. Help!
A real AC technician would probably have a "Freon sniffer" to detect leaks without dye. He also would have access to documents that shows the amount needed for a full charge. He also would have equipment to capture the 134a instead of venting it to the atmosphere. Are you REALLY so broke that you can't afford to have it done right ?? And by that I don't necessarily mean a dealer.....but a shop that does "real" AC work.
Where are you located? Please put that in your profile for better suggestions. The Prius A/C is less forgiving than the old Detroit belt driven systems from the previous century. Best to do it right.
Having worked on auto air conditioners for over 40 years, I never recommended or used any type of dye to detect refrigerant leaks. I took the time to find the leaks and to seal them.
Did you check with Toyota to see if there's dye already in there? A lot of cars now have dye in the factory fill.
It is very frustrating that I haven't ran into any shops around me (Oklahoma City) that seemed completely confident about hybrid AC system. Most are just bragging about their experience and suggesting what I'd assume typical "dye leak check-up." There even were few that suggested leak-seal stuff. I called a local dealership as well and even they told me they check the leak with dye. But doesn't Toyota disapprove any dyes in its hybrid AC system? I don't know but.. http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1023&context=auto_pres Thanks to you guys, I haven't put anything inside my system yet. But I'm getting exhausted trying to find the right shop/mechanic and being skeptical. I guess I just have to keep on looking. Perhaps different dealership or out of state. Can anybody in northern Texas suggest me a good AC shop that is familiar with hybrid AC system? And no there were no dye in the system. Also, what exactly is "freon sniffer" and what should ask or watch for when I do find the mechanic who would do leak check-up without the dye?
Can someone please chime in on these A/C problems. There is a total lack of help for broken Ac's and if you call toyota they say they will check with a dye. What's the final word?
Look under the hood to see if there's any info on the A/C warning sticker. For example, on the sticker under the Volt's hood, it tells you the type and quantity of refrigerant, to use POE oil and that there is already dye in the system. If the Prius says it has dye in it or not, do not add any dye since it can damage the system.
