noisy a/c compressor?

Ah crap... I guess buying used always has risks... I didn't think the compressor would go out this quickly... Can I ask how much it cost you to replace?

 

From the dealer, the compressor is about $1642. From online Toyota parts places, about $1200. Used low mileage is anywhere from $200-800. 2010-2011 is different than 2012-up and Prius C & V are different also.

 

trent, did you get yours replaced?

 

Nah not yet, just did the research. Played phone tag with Toyota corporate and it turns out the district manager is the one who has to approve out-of-3/36 coverage for repairs. So I'm stuck paying ~$300 for 3-4 hours of diagnosis (I assume pulling out the condenser/dryer to check for metal) before they make a decision on whether they will offer assistance with the repairs. Ugh. If they won't pay for it then that money is gone. I could get a compressor from eBay for $230 with 18k miles (although that doesn't mean much since mine makes noise at 46k). And then have someone replace it. I'd do it myself but I don't have access to an AC machine that's only used on the Prius.

 

bummer man, all the best. i guess this makes tracksides bad 12v look like nothing.

 

Ugh... feeling so ripped off right now.... =(

 

Did you overpay? I found a couple threads on this site where the compressor actually failed and was about $25-2800 for the entire repair from start to finish. From the dealership of course. You could always go with a used comp and a private garage

 

i would look for a local mechanic or a/c shoppe that would install a used one. odds are good that you will get decent life out of it.

 

No, I haven't paid for anything yet, but I just bought the car used about half a year ago and was hoping I'd be able to avoid any major repairs for at least a couple of years....

Is there something special about the AC that it needs to be serviced at a dealership? I had read the Prius' AC has some speacial parts that aren't used in traditional AC's in other cars...

 

It uses an electric compressor instead of belt driven. That's why it's so expensive. It can only use a certain type of non conductive AC oil (although some have used conventional AC oil just fine). To avoid cross contamination I think the dealers have a separate AC machine for hybrids.

 

My AC is pretty loud, especially if you're outside the car (I notice the few times I run the remote AC), but it's been loud since I bought it so I never considered it to be an issue.

 

exactly. determining the condition of the compressor by the noise, without some way to test it seems a little fishy, especially when it's noisy right out of the factory.

 

I agree. But when the noise changes suddenly from the day before, something is not right. Plus the dealer tech got within 10' of it running and said "you need a compressor, it's going bad"

 

Follow-up: Toyota agreed to pay for the compressor and whatever parts go along with ie o-rings and dryer sock. I just have to pay for the diag and labor so about 650 and I'll get it back Monday.

 

pretty decent, congrats!

 

Thanks. Being a former mechanic, I have an ear for weird noises and alarm bells started going off before the A/C stopped cooling. I can only imagine what they would have paid/not paid for had I got metal bits everywhere.

 

That seems like worst case usage.

Try setting the temp much higher when first starting the AC, high enough that the fan doesn't race. Then gradually bring it down 'till temp stabilizes. Settling on a temperature around 23~24 Cent (72~75 Fahr?) with vents on high/low you might be surprised, the car will still be comfortable.

Or shut everything down and open the windows, partially or all the way down, depending on speed. It'll boost your mileage.

 

I agree. I normally set the fan manually so I don't have that blast of warm air. Once it's cooled down I usually do turn the temp up, unless it's over 80 outside - that's about the point where it doesn't feel cold enough unless it's on LO. I have vent shades and usually have the front windows cracked to let hot air out. The windows are also tinted. I have done pretty much everything I can to keep the car cool, except for using a sunshade, having a garage, or having a solar roof LOL. I don't park under our tree because it likes to drop sap.

 

Don't get me started about tree sap, lol.