Hi again Prius friends! Yesterday i found out my AC dosen't work. When i press the AC switch it turns on the switch light, but i don't hear the compressor running at all, not even the fans. On the dash there is no lights that indicates there is something wrong, only when i scan it via OBD it gives me a code like this: I checked all wiring, all the fuses, even the fuse in the converter. But all seems ok. Have any of you guys experienced this before or have a clue what it could be? thx sorry for my English btw
Too funny. You are checking the wrong things. Consider getting the factory repair manual so you stop checking the wrong things. Toyota - New Subscription You can look up the codes and the trouble shooting steps outlined per code. DTC B1423 = pressure sensor circuit. Essentially you have refrigerant pressure that is abnormal (too high or too low). Think of the warning lights being critical to engine, emission, brakes, or hybrid components. An AC system not working isn't critical when compared to the above list. Yeah the HV Battery won't like a hot/warm car either, but the occupants will probably dislike it more quickly than the temperature sensors in the HV Battery case.
+1, have a shop check the refrigerant pressure. If they need to recharge it, make sure it is the proper kind, and that they check for leaks! (and your English is great - far better than my German! )
best thing go to a toyota dealer/ (I wouldn't even mention the dtc; just tell them to check the ac) you don't want your ac system contaminated in a shop which uses the same hoses/gauges for all cars/ might be a little bit more expensive, but still cheaper than cleaning/replacing the ac system/
My guess is low pressure, due to a leak somewhere. I'd agree with @StarCaller, have a dealership look at it. You could troubleshoot yourself, but it's tough/complicated, best to have the right equipment, all the documented troubleshooting guides. Also, while the AC gas is not unusual, the lubricating oil is, and contamination with the wrong oil could be expensive to fix.
Thx for your reply guys, yeah i will take it to dealer on Monday and first let them check is there is refrigerant inside. Some says that the refrigerant should be changed after some year of use right? I never changed the refrigerant in my Prius for all that time i haver her.
One thing you can do, well when the system is running (yours is dead), there is a "sight glass" on one of the AC lines. You're able to see the fluid at work when the system is running. I've found you'll see a few fine bubbles whizzing by as it runs, then a swirl of bubbles when it shut downs. Both over charged and undercharged will show "blank", ie: just fluid and no bubbles, or just air.
'Blank' won't necessarily mean overcharged: the Prius uses a subcooling condenser, which means the actual correct charge is when you've added about 100 more grams of refrigerant past when you saw the last bubbles go by. However (comma!), the exact vapor pressure and bubble behavior is strongly dependent on air temperature and airflow. If you're not checking under the exact conditions specified in the manual while filling (temperature range, doors open, fan setting, etc.) then what you're seeing in the sight glass won't necessarily match either. -Chap
Well, even the manual doesn't say to charge by staring at gauges, it says to charge to 100 grams past the bubbles disappearing. It just specifies the operating conditions very carefully. If your conditions are different, they'll change gauge readings too. Gauges can be extra helpful in diagnosis, when you have several possibilities to tell apart that have similar symptoms. -Chap
