Aircon/Climate control 2006 model

[propnut]

Hi guys

Took delivery of a 2006 Prius today. The aircon seems to be taking a very long time to produce cold air. I know these are electric compressors but is this right, should it take longer than a conventional belt driven one ?

Thanks

[john p williams]

11 hours ago, propnut said:

Hi guys

Took delivery of a 2006 Prius today. The aircon seems to be taking a very long time to produce cold air. I know these are electric compressors but is this right, should it take longer than a conventional belt driven one ?

Thanks

Is it all set up as per the Handbook`s advices ?

[flash22]

It is more than likely needs a charge or repair, get a specialist to check it, did you not check it before you purchased it ?

[PeteB]

12 hours ago, propnut said:

Hi guys

Took delivery of a 2006 Prius today. The aircon seems to be taking a very long time to produce cold air. I know these are electric compressors but is this right, should it take longer than a conventional belt driven one ?

Thanks

No, if it's all working correctly it should be at least as quick as a mechanical system.  The Second generation Prius A/C was very effective.  The electric compressors in Toyotas are pretty resilient as they don't have the same issues of bearing seals drying out that afflict mechanical compressors.  A Mark1 Prius I had, which did have a mechanical compressor, was hardly used for a year and the seals did dry out, and even after having a new compressor installed it remained problematic for the rest of the 9 years I had the car.

It's possible, but by no means definite it needs a recharge, unless of course the system is leaking.  If it does eventually become cold enough, I'd probably leave it be, as once you start tampering with A/C it can become problematic.

If it does need recharging and you bought it from a motor trader it might be worth trying to get them to sort it.  But, whoever does a recharge needs to understand the need to use the correct fluid and lubricant for the Toyota electric compressor, and uses equipment that isn't contaminated with the materials used in mechanical systems.

[Sooty]

Hi,

The first thing I would check is the cabin filter.

I can't remember where it is situated, but my bet is that it is blocked.

The owners manual will tell you where it is.

[furtula]

Filters on Toyota are usually behind the glovebox. Easy to pop the glovebox out and take a look.

[propnut]

There is no gas in the system. Dealer promised that he had it vacuum tested and recharged but obviously not. He probably just tried to recharge it with a Halford can hoping that would cure it for the three months warranty period.

[john p williams]

26 minutes ago, propnut said:

There is no gas in the system. Dealer promised that he had it vacuum tested and recharged but obviously not. He probably just tried to recharge it with a Halford can hoping that would cure it for the three months warranty period.

3 month warranty period, my backside !

If you bought it from a Dealer he is Statutorily Required to fix at his cost, if problem arises within 6 months of purchase.

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/134660/is-a-dealer-obliged-to-offer-a-warranty-with-a-used-car-

[propnut]

I only the car yesterday and they have agreed to have it fixed. I am dropping it off at the garage on Thursday so let's see. I suspect the condenser has a hole. Interestingly it looks like the Battery has had work done previously. I noticed that the material covered board panel that sits on top of the Battery in the boot was raised. Upon inspection I could see that the plastic clips weren't located properly. Everything seems to work ok. I have gotten a good KM on EV alone by pressing the EV button so it seems to have range. The Battery never shows full on the gauge but reading this forum and others that seems to be normal. 

Almost certainly there is something lurking, there always is with used cars. I suppose I will find out what in time. Fortunately I have three others cars so won't be stuck for transport.

[john p williams]

Do not forget to read the Handbook Paul.

Please keep us all advised as to how you get on with the Seller discharging his responsibilities.

[propnut]

Have done mate and will do.

Cheers

[propnut]

So I discovered the problem myself today. The condenser is leaking at the union of the bottom left side when facing from the front. Chances are it is just an O ring but that's their problem. I take it in tomorrow. 

[Joseph D]

On 7/14/2021 at 1:27 AM, propnut said:

I have gotten a good KM on EV alone by pressing the EV button so it seems to have range.

If you did this as a curiosity, then fine, but don't try and run a Gen 2 as an EV except for the very limited situations where it is appropriate to do so.

Using the EV button to run on electric only for regular driving will shorten the lifespan of the HV (hybrid vehicle) Battery and will give lower MPG.  Let the car manage the Battery and don't try to second guess it.

On 7/14/2021 at 1:27 AM, propnut said:

The battery never shows full on the gauge but reading this forum and others that seems to be normal.

Yes, this is normal.  It likes to leave headroom for going down hills or if you have lots of braking from speed e.g there are lots of traffic lights/roundabouts on higher speed A/B roads. 

[propnut]

Yes it was just out of curiosity, whilst I ws playing with all the gadgets. My intention is just to use it in the way Toyota intended. Thanks for confirming the Battery status 👍