Need to replace a/c compressor

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Ecomind2020, Oct 19, 2015.

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  1. Ecomind2020

    Ecomind2020 New Member

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    My daughter went 4-wheeling in our 2005 Prius and ripped all the tubes out of the a/c compressor. Mechanic says compressor needs to be replaced because can't just re-attach tubes. Can't afford new $3,000 Toyota a/c compressor but live in Hawaii and need a/c. Can used or non-Toyota a/c compressor be installed? If so, who can recharge it. Mechanic also said that Toyota dealer is only one who can recharge Prius a/c systems. Probably not true on mainland but might be true on Hawaii Island... Any thoughts? Thanks!
     
    #1 Ecomind2020, Oct 19, 2015
  2. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    Rob your daughters college fund.
     
    #2 Munpot42, Oct 19, 2015
  3. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    Check Rockauto, they have compressors for $500. Something to make sure of if you're not having a Toyota dealer install/charge it is that they use the right oil. Because the compressor is driven by an electric motor instead of the engine directly, it needs special oil or the motor will burn up. You might be able to have an independent shop install it and the dealer charge it, if necessary.
     
    #3 vskid3, Oct 19, 2015
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it is tricky, be careful.
     
    #4 bisco, Oct 19, 2015
  5. goldfinger

    goldfinger Active Member

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    I hope there isn't more damage. I don't know how miles you have, but its a 10 year old car. Your nearing the practical end of life. You could make it till spring without air, sell the car cheap, and pickup a 2016. By then you could probably pickup a reprogrammed VW diesel cheap. Nobody will want them. Good luck and post your results and pictures to.
     
    #5 goldfinger, Oct 19, 2015
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    1. Yes, you could have a used AC compressor installed.
    2. If you cannot find a mechanic on the Big Island who can work on Prius AC systems, will the local Toyota dealer install a used compressor?
    3. If the answer to #2 is no, then it is time for you and/or your daughter to learn how to DIY. Buy a set of manifold gauges, a vacuum pump, get the R-134a refrigerant, and subscribe to techinfo.toyota.com to get the factory repair manual info. Could be a good father/daughter project and it might encourage her to be more careful when driving in the future.

    Good luck.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Oct 19, 2015
  7. johnnyb588

    johnnyb588 Member

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    I'm not sure I'd call this sage financial advice. Instead of spending $3,000 (on the high end) to repair a car you already own outright and has not other listed issues, spend $30,000 on a new car instead. I'm no mathematician, but I think $3,000 is probably considerably less than $30,000. And even if his car was falling apart at the seams, it would take quite a long time to rack up $30,000 in repairs.

    I'd take Patrick's advice, fyi.
     
    #7 johnnyb588, Oct 20, 2015
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