A/C doesnt work, makes constant hum, warm air works, recently replaced 12v

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Howard c, Jul 25, 2017.

  1. Howard c

    Howard c Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2015
    17
    2
    0
    Location:
    vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    i recently replaced my 12v battery about 2 months ago, dont think i used the A/C until today and realize that it doesn't work. it also makes a constant hum sound. the heat works still, and fan works still.

    any idea what might be causing this? related to 12v?
     
    #1 Howard c, Jul 25, 2017
    1SteelerFan likes this.
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    57,967
    39,994
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Not sure. Kinda suspect the 12 volt change isn't related. You could raise the hood, listen if you can hear the compressor, locate and look at the sight glass. The latter's a little window on one of the refrigerant lines. If the charge is ok you should just see an occasional bubble whiz by while the compressor's running, and a swirl of bubbles when it stops.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Jul 25, 2017
  3. Howard c

    Howard c Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2015
    17
    2
    0
    Location:
    vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    thanks, so i brought the car to service @ toyota, they charged $130 just to look at it! o well, so they say the A/C condenser is leaking and they have to replace the A/C condensor and recharge system which is quoted to be $780 with labor included.

    is this reasonable or is this something I should shop around other bodyshops and ask? It looks like i can buy a new A/C condenser on ebay for $~80 , possible to buy myself and ask a shop to replace it?

    any advice would be appreciated.
     
    #3 Howard c, Jul 28, 2017
  4. Howard c

    Howard c Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2015
    17
    2
    0
    Location:
    vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    what exactly is a "recharge system"?
     
    #4 Howard c, Jul 28, 2017
  5. 1SteelerFan

    1SteelerFan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2017
    11
    1
    0
    Location:
    Tampa
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Probably needs a a/c charge. I have a 2005 Prius I put envirosafe refrigerant in it , and I get 40 degrees coming out of the vent. It's been in the 90's here in Fl
     
    #5 1SteelerFan, Jul 29, 2017
  6. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2013
    1,740
    448
    4
    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A
    Take to an actual refrigeration shop, (an A/C shop). You'll probably get a price close to 1/2 that amount.
     
    #6 rdgrimes, Jul 30, 2017
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)