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AC driver Side reading 8 to 10 degrees lower than passenger side

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Greg Kaiser, Aug 1, 2015.

  1. Greg Kaiser

    Greg Kaiser Junior Member

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    Well it's averaging 105 deg here in Arizona and my 2008 Prius seems to have an AC imbalance in the vent
    system.

    I measure 68 degrees out of the drivers vents and 58 degrees out of the passenger vents when 105 degrees outside. 58 degrees out of the drivers side and 48 degrees out of the passenger side when the outside temp
    is around 93 degrees in the am

    I checked the inverter coolant level and to see if the pump is circulating all is fine there. I had read that the heat
    coming from the inverter can cause issues.

    I will check AC pressures tomorrow.

    Does the Prius have a climate door. I remember hearing a plastic like clicking afew months back
    thinking maybe the door was getting stuck.

    Thanks Greg
     
    #1 Greg Kaiser, Aug 1, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, but that would only affect air volume. the blower is below the passenger vent, so maybe the air warms as it travels over to the driver side.
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 1, 2015
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    It sounds like your air conditioning system is not working very well and it is good that you are going to check the high and low system pressures. The air coming out of the vents should be much colder, more like high-30 degree F temperatures.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Aug 1, 2015
  4. Greg Kaiser

    Greg Kaiser Junior Member

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    I measured the low side at 27lbs and added die and R-134 to get the low side to 37lbs
    Seems to work better. So far no leak is found with the UV light. I even checked the Condensor on the front side.
    I need to get under the car to get a better look. I wish my ramps worked on this car too low.

    Also need to check the rear side of the condenser and the compressor. From what i can see from the top
    of the car and using a mirror underneath no leaks found with UV light

    Hope it's not the Evaporator !!

    Thanks for all the comments.

    Greg
     
    #4 Greg Kaiser, Aug 3, 2015
  5. Greg Kaiser

    Greg Kaiser Junior Member

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    Forgot to mention High side was at around 177 not 210-220. Not sure what this means
     
    #5 Greg Kaiser, Aug 3, 2015
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    try putting some 2x's in front of the ramps.
     
    #6 bisco, Aug 3, 2015
  7. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Hope you used dye that is compatible with hybrid high voltage AC and R134 that is also compatible with hybrid high voltage AC (just pure R134) and equipment that isn’t contaminated with PAG oil. Other vise you need to flush the system well.
     
    #7 valde3, Aug 3, 2015
  8. Greg Kaiser

    Greg Kaiser Junior Member

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    No conductive Oil just R 134 and Die (Combo no sealers Oil etc). Never thought of die being conductive?
     
    #8 Greg Kaiser, Aug 3, 2015
  9. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Probably it’s ok if it says that it doesn’t contain oil or solvent.
     
    #9 valde3, Aug 3, 2015
  10. Greg Kaiser

    Greg Kaiser Junior Member

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    OOPS !!! I just looked and there is a warning on Autozones website!!
    Should I get it evacuated? Working great now but not sure later. Blows 45 degrees at 109 degrees ouutside
     
    #10 Greg Kaiser, Aug 3, 2015
  11. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Since the low pressure side is on the high side of the spec while your high pressure is too low, this sounds like your compressor will need to be replaced as it is not producing sufficient pressure.
     
    #11 Patrick Wong, Aug 3, 2015
  12. Greg Kaiser

    Greg Kaiser Junior Member

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    Was thinking the same thing. Thanks
     
    #12 Greg Kaiser, Aug 4, 2015
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