Can anyone please advise which brand/type of R-134a to use for a 2004 Prius. Does it require a special type of coolant? I've re-charged all of my other cars and would like to do the same with my Prius. Thank you very much.
The refrigerant is not an issue. The issue is that the Prius electric compressor oil is a special type which does not conduct electricity. You cannot use any fixtures that have been contaminated with oil from normal air conditioning systems, such as hoses or pressure gauges.
Patrick, Thank you very much for your quick response on this matter. So it is better to buy a new pressure gauge and use it for the Prius only to add the refrigerant coolant.
The correct oil to use is ND11, difficult to obtain and expensive. I have successfully topped up my system without adding oil over a number of years without problems. However the AC technicians here on PC will not recommend this practice. John (Britprius)
That is ONLY if that professional is qualified. I've seen too many who are NOT. And, ND11 is not that expensive, here, in the US.
However, if one has a leak that is venting enough oil to require additional ND11, then that needs to be fixed first. That is something that a pro shop is best suited for, if they know Prius A/C.
