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2001 : A/C condenser replacement

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by snow_sg1, Jun 9, 2023.

  1. snow_sg1

    snow_sg1 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2016
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    Rennes, France
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I
    quick presentation.

    My name si Nicolas and I live in France.

    I've got 2 first gen facelift (nhw11) Prius. I've bought my first one in 2016 and it's been my everyday car ever since. I got a second one in 2018 for dirt cheap (bad HV battery).

    They're really rare in my country (France) where less than 300 were sold between 2000 and 2003. It's the best car I ever had ! No issues, except from HV battery (I've replaced a couple of modules over the years). My second Prius has a bad HV battery atm and I keep it for parts now.

    Since I got my first one in 2016, one owner, mint ! The only thing that never worked was A/C. Untill about 2/3 years ago I didn't care because the climate was still acceptable but now it is way too hot in summer [​IMG] I've had the A/C system checked last year and was told that the A/C condenser is leaking (I don't know the state of the compressor). My other car never had a working A/C either. I've tried to find an AC condenser/radiator assembly since last year. I even bought one from Japan (amayama) but they cancelled my orders and told me they won't ship to France. I asked my Toyota dealer and they told me it's NLA, like the HV battery pack.

    Here's Toyota part number :

    16400-21250 - RADIATOR ASSY

    Does someone has one and is willing to sell it or know where I can get one ? Or, can I fit a gen2 A/C condenser ? Or can it be repaired ?

    Thanks !

    Love the Gen 1, even tho it's a nightmare to source any parts for it [​IMG]

    Here's my two little gems [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

  2. vaughnstark777

    Joined:
    May 4, 2012
    180
    33
    0
    Location:
    Roy, WA
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Pull the condenser out of your parts car take it to a radiator shop and have them solder the leak and use it.
     
  3. Martin1973

    Martin1973 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2022
    5
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    0
    Location:
    Bourne Lincolnshire uk
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    ----UK----
    Gen2 condenser is to big, won't fit.
     
  4. snow_sg1

    snow_sg1 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2016
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    Rennes, France
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I


    Thanks you to both of you for the answer.

    So, Instead of calling my Toyota dealer, I went directly and asked to speak to a supervisor.

    I asked him directly about parts availability and the guy was really nice and check for me.

    He said it can have the condenser and battery no problem. Condenser was approx 400€ but it gave me 15% off without me even asking.

    So, problem solved, I should get it in early July and hope to get A/C working for this summer.

    Next year, I will change the battery as I'm getting tired of replacing modules and balancing the pack every years, they're almost 23 yo they're all way beyond their normal lifespan.