Things I've tried: 1. Adding plain 134-a (no dye, no oil) took about half a can, got colder, warmed up within days. 2. Drained some of the 134 and added more. Again got colder, but warmed up soon. Neither one got acceptably cold, just colder. 3. Replaced inside air filter. 4. Checked filter under hood - it's okay. 5. Checked fuses - Seem to be okay. 6. Searched the internet and Prius Chat to no end. 7. Built-in A/C diagnostic: It beeped and showed code 42 over and over. Previously replaced the inverter coolant pump. That part turned out to be bad quality and only lasted months. Replaced again and all is well for a long time now. Just thought I'd toss that in there. Could it be the amplifier? That seems to match up. Just wondering what your thoughts are. Thanks!
You might want to follow @lech auto air conditionin - then watch his videos, and read any posts/threads found. FYI - your posts are being moderated until you've posted 5 times.
If it improves with the addition of refrigerant, and then quickly gets worse again, I would have to say a refrigerant leak hasn't been ruled out as a possibility.
... and if it warms up after only several days, it is probably a decent leak. I'd concentrate on find and fixing the leak.
And if there is a leak in the system, please don't use anything that claims to be "stop leak" - that type of goop almost never works, can/will mess up your system, and can mess up any recovery equipment that a shop uses later. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
AC is actully as very simple system. watch a few youtube videos and get a good idea how it all works. Chrisfix video is the best. First step go down to the autoparts store and buy a can of ac/dye and put some in the system. I ordered a cheap uv light off amazon. run the system and use the uv light to look for leaks. The dye will be bright neon looking and easy to stop. If its leaking that the first step. I ordered a vaccum pump and fill gauges on amazon for like $120 and filled my system on my 4runner myself. Seems daunting at first but after watching Chrisfix video it was easy. If you think the system is working you can make sure when ac is on one ac line is cold and one is hot. dont burn yourself on the hot line. these are the lines under the hood.
