2010 Prius A/C compressor works after receding A/C fuse

There are close to 30 computers in a Gen 3 Prius. The engine computer isn't the one where you'd find codes explaining an A/C issue.

Happily, to read codes from the A/C computer, you don't even need any special reader tool. Just hold down AUTO and RECIRC at the same time while turning the car ON, then check for two-digit codes on the heater display, where the set temperature usually shows.

My guess is that the A/C computer is detecting some problem and shutting things down for protection, and every time you take that little fuse out (which is only for the control system itself, the compressor gets its own power straight from the high-voltage system), you are making the A/C computer forget what the trouble was, so you can fool it into starting up again until the next time it notices there's a problem and shuts down again.

So, next time, get the codes.

-Chap

 

That there is some good information!

 

The ac relay was a big problem with my sienna, replacing it was an easy fix. Maybe you should just replace it instead of taking it out and back in? Or just use the horn relay and test it again

 

Curious. Well, my next move would be Techstream, pull up the data list, maybe even try some of the active tests. (I don't remember offhand if there is one to force the compressor to a certain speed, but it wouldn't surprise me.)

-Chap

 

i would replace compressor

 

My 2010 Prius AC stopped blowing cold a few months after my engine, ac compressor, and refrigerant was replaced, so I went to my very good mechanic who checked my system for only a few minutes and told me to go to the dealer and get this part:

It is the fuse that is circled and it is located under the black L-shaped cover on the top of the inverter.

He was right. This simple replacement made my AC work like new again and he didn't even charge me a dime. Shout out to Vancouver Fleet Services on No.3 Rd, Richmond, BC. They are one of the good guys. They are hybrid taxis and commercial fleet specialists. Very friendly, honest and trustworthy.

You have to unplug both batteries to replace it. The part number shown is just a diagram index and the actual part # is 90982-11050 and it is just called a high voltage fuse.

 

I wonder why the original fuse failed?

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

That is my favorite thing to wonder whenever a fuse replacement 'fixes' something.

 

There was the case of a heat wave in my area last summer where I literally just stayed in my car the whole time running the ac as I didnt have ac in the house. This was an actual natural disaster where the temps got up to 50 C or 122 F.

That is one of the reasons why my engine blew a head gasket and threw a rod in the following winter. Others include mileage and clogged egr cooler, oil burning, etc. The thrown rod hit the ac compressor and left a hole in it, exposing the circuitry inside. That's why the engine and ac comp was replaced with used ones. The replacement engine is a gen 4 engine from a 2017 prius (non V). IDK what car the used AC comp came out of. If there is a voltage incompatibility between the newer engine, used compressor and the old inverter that caused the fuse to burn out, then the fuse might burn out again soon I think.

When I checked the old fuse it had lots of burnt sand crystals in it.

 

I have ordered my fuse. My 2011 Prius A/C stooped working while driving.At AAA they found it had less than 0.3 LBS of FREON. They pressure tested,found no leak.Recharged FREON to 1.14 LBS with the DIAGNOSTIC machine. Tech noted it was still not blowing cold air.It gave code B1476 "A/C INVERTER LOAD SYSTEM MALFUNCTION".They asked me to go to DEALERSHIP.TOYOTA dealership apprised to change Compressor with estimate of $2670 part only.I asked AAA they gave an estimate of $2000.Hoping this might be the cause the compressor though the fine is not being triggered.I am novice with mechanics.I am going to attempt at my own.How do I remove hybrid battery connection. One youtube video says it is dangerous as it has power when disconnecting orange cables.I am hoping the fuse is under the L shape plate and I don't have to go deep under it.

 

The fuse is under the L shaped plate and the only thing you need to do for safety with the high voltage battery is pull out the orange safety plug you'll find under the hatch deck. Pull the handle sideways, then toward you, and keep the orange plug in your pocket.

But wait ten minutes or so after that before fussing with the L-shaped cover. There are capacitors inside that box that can hold charge that long.