A/C leak (making sure I'm not being air conned)

[CurranShelter]

Hi all. I feel like there should be a special word for the false sense of security when you've had a Toyota that sailed through its service and MOT with no trouble year after year... until one year it doesn't (the year I've changed to a different dealership, as it happens). Not that this year was exactly a disaster, but it has still set off my bill-paying allergy a bit. 🤧

Firstly, I'm told the front brakes were binding on one side and would therefore fail the MOT, but a strip & clean for £65 seems to have done the trick.

Then there's the slightly dubious goings-on with the wipers (which apparently would also have failed the MOT) - more on that story later. 🤨

However, the big surprise was with the A/C. It seemed to have been working fine, but the condition report came up with a red (immediate attention) warning saying "Air conditioning condenser and high pressure pipe leaking". I was not delighted to see that the quote to repair this is £851. As it happens, the parts weren't in stock anyway, but at that price I reckon I'll be wanting another quote or two anyway, including a non-franchised a/c specialist if I can find one nearby.

A few questions come to mind, if anyone is able to advise, please:

1. Does this seem a reasonable quote (from a main dealer)? Not sure how much variation in pricing there is between franchised dealerships, but I've seen a similar thread which suggests this quote is pretty high.
2. Is it a fair assumption that a new condenser assembly and tube assembly are both required, as has been quoted for (£303 and £261 respectively)? I'm not sure how closely the current ones have been inspected. Pictures attached.
3. I take it the urgency depends on how bad the leak is, but there's nothing can be done as a stop-gap until it's repaired?
4. Is it a good or bad idea to continue using the air con in the meantime?
5. Any drawbacks to going elsewhere (e.g. a local independent) to get it sorted? Clearly this problem isn't covered by the warranty anyway, although I don't know if there are other potential A/C-related claims that could be affected.

Thanks in advance.

[FROSTYBALLS]

The air con condenser is covered under Toyota's Relax warranty - see terms and conditions.

So I'd be inclined to print the appropriate pages and return to the dealer.

 

Toyota Relax TCs - 25.05.21_tcm-3060-2286757 (1).pdf

[CurranShelter]

Thanks. I wouldn't be surprised if this exclusion gets quoted a lot...

b) Damage or defects as a result of any wear and tear, excessive free play, noise and/or vibration

But I suppose it's got to be worth asking!

[tfc]

It might be just a seal that as blown,  if its easy to get to the pipe and union give it a good cleaning, if it's not covered by warranty take it to AC specialist and get a second opinion . If you can do with out the air con its not a emergency to get it fixed.

Problem is each tester interpret the rules differently , my mgb passed with a advisory for the n/s/r brake binding, he told me to get it done as soon as possible, still not got round to doing it.

[Auris James]

I also have an Auris TS icon +

My Auris air con failed 6 months after buying it. Friday the AC was working and the Sunday it was not.

I had bought it as a used approved through Inchcape. Car had done 26,000 miles. Took it in for diagnostic, which was free and if leak caused by stone damage, not covered. Showed me a photo and could see leak down bottom right of condenser through front grill. Dark, damp patch.

Came back to me and said warranty had refused it. Dealer took and sent more photo's and I explained since buying only done 2,000miles in it and feel I have inherited someone elses problem. Warranty agreed to replace it. None in stock was the bad news. 2 months later in September it was replaced. Worked well since. Aftermarket condensers are way cheaper. Mine I believe is a Denso original. I would have it regassed at Toyota so it has the right oil and gas.

A few aftermarket condensers here.

Condenser for Toyota Auris Estate 1.8 Hybrid (ZWE186_) Petrol/Electro 99 hp / 73 kW _E18_ 2ZR-FXE 2013 ❱❱❱ cheap online in original quality (buycarparts.co.uk) My Auris hybrid is pre facelift 2015. 

Friday I managed to fix the AC in my 1996 Volvo 940, so am well pleased after fitting some better condition AC Pipes. 4 hours well worth it.

Your leak does not look too bad. As previous person says, could just need new O rings. AC condenser looks a bit old. Mine was very obvious.

James.

[Mooly]

I would be inclined to give that area a good clean with a soft bristle paint brush and appropriate cleaner (foam cleaner of some sort or failing that strong mix of washing up liquid) Hose it clean, it won't do any harm and then see exactly what point it seems to get grimy from again.

The spread of oil on the condenser looks like the point of origin is right at the connection of pipe/condenser but it would be good to try and pin it down a little more. A tiny bit of oil spreads a long way and can make finding the source difficult.

So I would clean it up and try and see where any fresh trace comes from.

The gas will come out a lot quicker than the oil from even the tiniest hole and so its a surprise it still works normally... so you need to be sure in your own mind what is happening. 

 

[TonyHSD]

If me personally I won’t touch and clean unless I am going to replace it as diy. I would rather print the attachment from Frosty and take the car to another dealer with better reviews and better customer service. I will push for warranty repair as it looks like failed seals. Their job will be to determine what needs changing and regas again. If the dealer refuses I will find another or contact Toyota head office directly and push for repair. It seems a common fault with Auris gen 2 to have ac leaks issues because it’s not the first or second time but every now and then. Definitely a weak point in these cars either as poor quality parts or workmanship. There are no signs of impact from hitting something or foreign objects, it should be done under warranty if covered. Good luck 

[Auris James]

3 hours ago, TonyHSD said:

If me personally I won’t touch and clean unless I am going to replace it as diy. I would rather print the attachment from Frosty and take the car to another dealer with better reviews and better customer service. I will push for warranty repair as it looks like failed seals. Their job will be to determine what needs changing and regas again. If the dealer refuses I will find another or contact Toyota head office directly and push for repair. It seems a common fault with Auris gen 2 to have ac leaks issues because it’s not the first or second time but every now and then. Definitely a weak point in these cars either as poor quality parts or workmanship. There are no signs of impact from hitting something or foreign objects, it should be done under warranty if covered. Good luck 

I agree with you Tony.

This is what I would do. I saw another Auris condenser fail on the bottom right, like mine. I would try another dealer if, a no to warranty repair. 

[CurranShelter]

Thanks everyone. I presume dealers prefer to avoid doing warranty work because they get reimbursed at cost price by Toyota GB and can't make a tidy margin like they would if the customer pays. Maybe they'd even prefer to lose that work to another dealer!? Either way, I will try pursuing the warranty route, with a few different dealers if necessary.

[AisinW]

When come to AC systems, always go with the dealership or wellknown shop who knows and deal with hybrid/ EV.   I will press it in and keep arguing until you get it fixed since you had paid a big amount of overprice dealership maintenance to get Relax Warranty.   It is pretty common wellknown issues in Prius 3 that the condenser is leaking. Very often it is just the aluminum itself has some cracks, not seals leak. 

The same thing with high  mileage in hot weather Prius 2, the evaporator often leaks after about 200k miles. It leaks slowly, from every year, to every month, and every week need filling pure 134A.  I was there before and it cost 14 hours labor.  I did it on mhy own for 2 days. It takes time but pretty easy job. It was time consuming because the whole dashboard and steering must be out including all airbags and multiple wirings.