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- Toyota Prius (https://electricvehicleforums.com/forums/toyota-prius-10/)

- - ac recharge (https://electricvehicleforums.com/forums/toyota-prius-10/ac-recharge-18387/)

Anyone tried one of those ac recharge kits? are they all basically the same or is a brand better than others?

TIA

infael

If you're going to recharge the Prius A/C be aware it requires special oil/gas due to the high voltage motor, which is immersed in the fluid.

I need a special oil/gas to recharge the AC? Is that available in stores?

OK,
this is coming from an ase certified master dealership tech,
dont EVER use the cans for recharging that you can buy at wall mart etc. Many come with stop leak (sounds wonderful, right?) This stuff is the devil, when you have a leak in your ac system you will probably let moisture into the system. Long story short, when this stuff comes into contact with moisture it turns to concrete and you will be replacing every component in your system. Also, your system may not be low/empyt. New ac systems are very picky about the amount of freon in them. The only way to accurately fill one is to empty it and charge it using a scale.

Please just pay a qualified technician(preferably dealer) to do the job

Edits coming from a "certified" DIY'r...

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackal454 (Post 174646)

OK,
this is coming from an ase certified master dealership tech,

Who, undoubtedly, wants into your pockets.

dont EVER use the cans for recharging that you can buy at wall mart etc. Many come with stop leak (sounds wonderful, right?)

"many come with stop leak..."

NOT...!!!

This stuff is the devil, when you have a leak in your ac system you will probably let moisture into the system.

"probably let moisture into the system.."

Unless fully discharged of refrigerant the system is always under positive pressure. And even absent ALL refrigerant just what is the "force" that would cause moisture to enter the system..??

Long story short, when this stuff comes into contact with moisture it turns to concrete and you will be replacing every component in your system.

I assume it turns into concrete at the point of the leak, that's the only place it will likely encounter moisture.

If you can buy refrigerant with "stop leak" that is.

Also, your system may not be low/empyt. New ac systems are very picky about the amount of freon in them. The only way to accurately fill one is to empty it and charge it using a scale.

Pure BS, follow the instructions supplied with the kit and you will be fine.

Please just pay a qualified technician(preferably dealer) to do the job

Yes, by all means you should provide those technicians with money for their kids tuition.

But my advice would be to NEVER buy anything with "stop leak", if you have a leak then IT IS TIME to pay the piper.

all i can say is beware of Eric, you will pay double to unwind his hacking on your car,

you can always pick his type out when they come into any shop, talk alot of bs and know little.

Dont be afraid to dish out an extra hours labor,1.5 max to evac and recharge your system and know its done right, otherwise buyer beware

Hope you have an honest shop where you live, sux that ppl are so sure that any tech/shop/dealer is going to rip you off.

We arent all that way

good luck with your ac system, dont listen to this troll

I know where this argument comes from. Just be aware the Prius A/C system is "special" and you can't just use the old methods with it. There is a 540V variable speed electric motor immersed in the A/C fluid. It needs a properly trained tech. with the correct fluid (both amount and type) and correct lubricant, and the THHT (Toyota hand held tool) to run the system. You can currently only find this at a Toyota dealer. -DO- hunt around to find a good dealer. Some -may- be in business for the wrong reasons.

Of course as always the proper sequence of events is:
1. Find out exactly why you need to refill the system (find the leaks, if any).
2. Replace the components that caused the leak.
3. Refill with the proper amount and type of refrigerant and oil.
4. Test for leaks.
5. Test for proper operation.

Thanks! I guess I'll let the dealer take care of the recharging.

Quote:

Originally Posted by infael (Post 175077)

Thanks! I guess I'll let the dealer take care of the recharging.

If the "dealer" isn't wise enough to "sub" it out to a competent A/C specialist/technician you are probably better off DIY. These days dealer service personel do not encounter A/C problems often enough for the dealer to retain competent (read "EXPENSIVE") help.