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Prime AC rebuild

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Tom_W123, Oct 20, 2024.

  1. Tom_W123

    Tom_W123 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2024
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    Location:
    Calgary
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    Hi Folks,

    Just wanted to share with the group a bit of my fun dealing with non functioning ac on a prime I bought.

    The car was in an accident, and repaired "mediocre" by a "c" grade body shop.
    I knew this, and made an offer accordingly.
    Turns out, the ac/heat pump was inop throwing code B1476 "AC inverter load system"
    Took the car to the dealership for troubleshooting, they took my money, returned the car to me and said "the ac doesnt work" - what a waste of time.

    I did a bit of digging around, and got to work myself.
    What I believe caused the compressor to fail, was a leak, or multiple small leaks in the accumulator assembly (as evidenced by the oil/dust/dirt all over i) causing a low refrigerant/oil condition, until the compressor finally had enough - when I recover the refrigerant, I was only able to recover 370 grams or so. there was hardly any oil remaining in the receiver/dryer, and as well hardly any oil in the compressor. maybe an oz or 2 in both combined.

    If you have a prime, I would strongly encourage you to take a look for evidence of leaks, and if you do have some leaks, evacuate and recharge PROPERLY, and maybe add some oil, I really dont see an issue with adding a bit too much oil, as there is tons of room for it in the receiver/dryer

    If anyone has any lead on the large suction tubes that attach to the accumulator, please let me know, So far, I found a new accumulator assembly on ebay, compressor on ebay, and a new condenser from rock auto, In Canada, the ND-11 oil is unobtanium, so I wound up with this oil, that should work... Ive flushed the lines, and internal condenser, but so far, I haveny been able to flush the internal evaporator, as the expansion valve is closed, and is nearly impossible to remove with the engine still in the car



    Im going to be away for work for about a month, but will continue to post my progress when I get back.

    Tom
     

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