Hi all. I bought my 2005 prius used 6 months ago, all the mechanics work fine except my AC which started going in June. Over 2 weeks it started blowing less, eventually nothing. Used the refrigerant (the correct one with no oil) and filled to around 33 every other day for a while and it would work great. Finally went to dealership 3 weeks ago, paid 140 and they replaced one valve (expansion valve? cannot remember) and filled it up and it worked for 1 week. They said a previous owner had dye put in and they saw the dye there. Brought it back when I thought it was starting to go again and they said they saw a small amount of dye leaking in the evaporator but it would last 2 months minimum (obviously didnt). I was quoted 1400 for evaporator replacement. I still hear the compressor turn on and fan works fine. I am in North Carolina in Triangle area if anyone knows a good place, I am at a loss for what to do. Next plan of action?
also wanted to say since I keep my AC off all the time now, gas mileage has gone from around 36/38 up to 46 regularly around town, same driving habits.
If you want AC, replace the compressor. $1400 is a lot to spend on a 2005. As the car ages, the hv battery and the transaxle can become an expensive problem.
You'd probably get most or all of that back in the resale price, as trying to sell a car in NC without A/C would cause a big price hit. HV battery and transaxle (sic) last the life of the car in most cases. Many people have gone 200,000 miles or more on original batteries. I haven't been specifically following it, but haven't heard of anybody replacing the planetary gear system.
