I stuck a meat thermometer in the vent and got 46 F with AC on low and fan on max. Does anyone know the normal operating temp of the air with a working ac? oya, temp outside was 76
I've measured below freezing temp at the air outlet using an instant read thermometer, 95 degrees F ambient air temp, AC temp at MAX LOW and fan speed max. If your 46 degrees F measurement is correct then the AC is not working very effectively.
Humidity has a big effect on AC performance. Even bigger than temperature. Higher the humidity more AC has to work. here’s an example for different car (with medium fan speed): | Repair Guides | Maintenance | Air Conditioning System Diagnosis | AutoZone.com
Prius AC uses r134 with ND11 oil! You can add pure r134 or r134 with ND11. System can get contaminated even by using equipment that has been used with PAG-oil (oil that’s used in “normal” car AC system). Fixing a contaminated system can cost thousands of dollars. So think before filling it or giving the job to somebody.
Just be very careful where you have it repaired. You should probably take it to the dealership only. These cars have so many technical detail issues regarding air conditioning it's not even funny. I spent over $1,000 and it's still not right on my car. We will go to the dealership. And get a warranty or guarantee Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
RULE OUT a leak first! Many posts of people blindly refilling, only to revist a leak or other equipment issue as the cause of being low.
While this may not apply to this specific instance, I thought the general rule of thumb was 30 degrees below ambient temperature. If your reading is 46 degrees with 76 degrees ambient, that would be satisfactory for me.
I just been through a seashell with my 2005 Prius. Total cost of the project $1,000. Finally I found a mechanic that could deal with the leak and proper replacement of the compressor. There was a small leak and the system was filthy. Apparently any Speck of dirt in the system can lead to failure of the compressor because it causes friction and because it causes friction and wear. Considering my repair is only one month old the fact that the new con chinches mechanic who works exclusively on Priuses did a bilateral cleaning with chemicals flushing the system to directions then used a leak prevention compound and then he filled the system with refrigerant. It is working quite well. Don't forget to clean your cabin filter if air flow is low or if it is dirty. I am in the San Diego area and can recommend Chris at AAA Hybrid Battery in Spring valley. I haven't checked but they say he has very good reviews on Yelp as well. Very nice guy. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
If it's very hot outside, the ac won't cool as low as it will if it's cool outside; the temperature in the vents *depends. Also, there's lots of available information on servicing an ac as a do-it-yourself job on-line. Research that.
