A/C is not working

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PriusII&C, Mar 23, 2022.

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  1. PriusII&C

    PriusII&C Active Member

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    San Jose, California
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Background information: 2012 Prius, 122k miles. It had been trouble free for the past 9 1/2 years until January. In a moderate rear-end accident, the front bumper cover was torn, left headlights broken, main radiator left post and inverter cooler left post damaged, and the radiator fan shroud cracked. The converter was shifted backwards for about 1/4". After fixing at a bodyshop (both the radiator and cooler were reused per bodyshop's opinion), the coolant in the inverter reservoir was almost empty after driving about 900 miles. Refilled the reservoir, and no noticeable coolant drop after 700 miles of driving.

    Today the temperature in central California reached 90F. Turned on A/C, but no cold air coming out. The blower automatically reached highest speed, but the air was warm. Didn't hear compressor engagement/disengagement. A/C fuse (10A) under the steering wheel is fine.

    What could be the root-cause, and how to diagnose? Thanks.
     
    #1 PriusII&C, Mar 23, 2022
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2022
  2. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    From low on Freon,leak in system or bad compressor
     
    #2 tankyuong, Mar 24, 2022
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    You don't really hear "compressor engagement" in a Prius (except Gen 1, 2001-2003), because it doesn't have a clutch that clacks in and out. It just has a variable speed electric motor that ramps up and down.

    You can start by getting any diagnostic codes from the HVAC system. If the c works like other Gen 3s, you should have an AUTO and a FRESH/RECIRC button you can hold down while powering the car on. Look for two-digit codes to appear on an HVAC display.

    From the damage you describe in front, it wouldn't be unthinkable that the refrigerant leaked out. Or the wiring to the compressor was damaged. Or both. Or the shop made some repairs but they weren't complete or quite correct.

    The diagnostic codes will be a good start.
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Mar 24, 2022
  4. PriusII&C

    PriusII&C Active Member

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    2012 Prius
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    II
    Thank you @tankyuong and @ChapmanF . I drove the car to the bodyshop, and it turned out that they forgot to fill in refrigerant after repair. The A/C works now, and I will keep an eye on it.
     
    #4 PriusII&C, Mar 24, 2022
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