post a/c repair - lots of problems, please help!

Hi - I posted this on prisuonline as well, looking for possible answers...
I recently took my 05 prius to the neighborhood shop to get my a/c fixed. Dealer diagnosed an expansion valve and receiver drier replacement for $1500, my mechanic would do it for $600. After further inspection my mechanic thought the compressor was the problem because of the weird levels it was getting. He talked to a Toyota Mech. and was assured that it really is the expansion valve. He went ahead and replaced my expansion valve and replaced the small 12v bat for no charge.

When I went to pick it up the air was still blowing poorly and the brake, "!", ABS, CSV lights are now on. My mechanic cant turn them off. He suggests I go back to the dealer to see if it really is a compressor problem and get the lights fixed. Based on my mechanics findings, I trust he is right about the compressor.

as of now, the air gets better when you apply gas but when idle it just blows stale air. The a/c is electric so its suppose to consistent with or without gas. I'm also experiencing very low mileage, the battery is constantly on the low recharging itself. on top of that, the car isn't receiving the signal from my keys. the door wont open unless I actually press the button on the key remote and the car wont start unless I put the remote into the key slot. I made sure that the batteries are good in both key remotes and that other electronic devices were out of reach. still no signal

any suggestions here? what should I ask for and what to avoid at the dealership?

 

Hi thanks much for the replies so far. The brake, !, ABS, and CSV lights stay on in drive, I'm not sure what the codes are I'll look into that. My mechanic mentioned he saw the lights after everything was replaced and doesn't have the necessary tools to turn them off. I dont blame him at all, he did the best he could and offered a fair price. He didnt charge me a cent for the new valve and battery considering that the a/c is still not up to par and I got a free wash and detail : )

curious to see what the dealership finds. I want to talk to the Toyota zone manager and see if i can get a factory tech out to help.

 

Noticed something - just got back from a 30 min test drive with windows down, a/c on and off at varying speeds

Whenever there are green arrows going to the battery, noticeably cooler air is received. I also receive expected mileage. I was driving for 10 mins on an even road going 30 - 35 trying to improve battery levels then hypermiling trying to achieve better mileage - this is when cooler air was being noticed. then I had to slow down to make a turn and suddenly my mileage dropped from a 99.9 to 7.9 and the air quickly turned stale. from that point on both battery and mileage was depleting rapidly. I speculate there is a correlation to a/c but this may be coincidental?

also...
With the windows down I'm hearing a 'thud' coming from the very back, sounds like under the car, after braking. It happens only occasionally. I cannot find a pattern or trigger but it sure is there and wasn't before.

 

Hey Galaxee, whats the difference between reciever drier and desiccant drier element? aside from price hehehe

what is this foot air leak?

statultra - I think you are right. It seems like it starts and quits. I doubt my mechanic used the wrong oil he has the official service book it should recommend what oil to use right? I will check with him to make sure

really appreciate the info. I will ask the dealership to look at the compressor for sure.