Prius AC doesnt run

See pages 100 through 103 here.

The code refers to an open or short in the power circuit from the inverter to the compressor. The troubleshooting steps in the manual are kind of from-the-hip (there's a test of the compressor, otherwise straight to replacing the inverter). It seems to me they kind of overlooked that there's a cable between the two ... there was another recent thread here where somebody found that cable had taken damage. So I would certainly check that too, before smashing the piggy bank.

 

First, stop trying to run the A/C when it is clearly broken. That can chew up the compressor and make a bad situation worse. It doesn't sound like you will be fixing this yourself, so find a local shop to diagnose the problem. If you are in the Bay Area forum member Lech works in that region, and he would be my first choice if it was an option.

Fixing the A/C can be a very expensive proposition. For instance, if the evaporator has a leak the whole dash needs to come apart to reach it. Sadly leaking evaporators are not uncommon on older cars, or even on older Prius's. The one on our 2007 had this issue shortly I after I bought it used, but thankfully within the 90 day guarantee from the Toyota dealer who sold it (used). They fixed it, eventually, but it took them a while to figure it out, and there were quite a few trips to the shop.

 

Now that you've heard all the possible doom and gloom.....there are other possibilities
I've owned about 10 gen 2s. All of them very original and anywhere from 141k to 350k miles when purchased. Pretty much every one of them was low on R134A and needed a top off. Everyone will say it's a sealed system. Sorry, but no seal is perfect and after 15 years, sometimes a top off is needed. The Gen 2 has a sight glass to watch the refrigerant. Having looked at many of them, I'm familiar with what I'm looking at. NONE of my Gen 2s have needed a professional shop to get the AC working again. Your results may be different, but I think any competent DIYer can sort this out. It doesn't always need a $1500 repair, sometimes it's a $12 can of R134a.

 

What is the error code for the engine?
Read via OBDII?

 

How many of those were giving a B1472 code?

 

Adding refrigerant apparently affects the pressure level in the system, but does not affect the breakage or damage of the connecting cable.
https://share.qclt.com/%E4%B8%B0%E7%94%B0%E6%99%AE%E7%91%9E%E6%96%AF%E5%8E%9F%E5%8E%82%E8%8B%B1%E6%96%87%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8Cpdf%E6%A0%BC%E5%BC%8F/repair%20manual/04pruisr/05/2044g/cib14727.pdf

 

hmm. how about that? I don't remember even seeing that in the post. Maybe that's why I have an optometrist appointment on the 28th....

 

I translated the blink code 72 to DTC B1472.

(It's not always that easy, but for the HVAC blink codes it pretty much is.)

 

Sure, and the first thing the dealer's service department did was refill the refrigerant and send me on my way. It all leaked out of course, suggesting they were not very thorough with the gauges before calling it a day. Then they tried replacing, I don't recall exactly, one side of the lines in the engine compartment and I think the Shrader valve. Leaked out again. Then they finally admitted defeat and replaced the evaporator, which fixed it. Naturally they forgot to reattach one of the little flow door actuators, so I got to go back one more time just for fun.

On the plus side, all these repairs were free because of the 90 day guarantee on this "super inspected absolutely perfect used car" (actually Toyota Certified Used Vehicle.) And they did eventually fix it.

 

Based on the 72 code, I would focus on things that could present as an open or short in the circuit that's made up by the compressor, the connecting cable, and the inverter.