2006 A/C Quit working - What do I need to replace?

I suggest that you need to find out what diagnostic trouble codes have been logged by the AC amplifier, to see whether a high voltage ground fault has been logged (DTC P3009), which is the typical outcome of using the incorrect compressor lubricating oil.

You also need to determine the low and high pressure readings when the compressor is running, to see whether the compressor is actually doing its job or not.

In the worst case, you would need to replace the AC compressor, the evaporator, and the condenser. At the Toyota dealer, the installation of new parts probably will cost more than the value of your 9 year old Prius.

 

I rebuilt my air conditioner in a truck. I bought the cheapest parts from China I could find and it was still over $1000 just for parts. I did all the labor. So, yes, a dealer would be much too expensive.

When I grew up only the rich folks had cars with air conditioning. You could make it a couple months til the weather cools and then get though our Florida winters.

If you are mechanically inclined, you could do some research and learn how to repair it yourself. Amazon has some good vacuum pumps and AC gages/hoses for DYI.

It's a tough spot to be in with a good used car that may not be worth spending a lot of money on.

Follow Patrick's advice. Get the available codes and find out what the high/low pressure is with the AC running.

 

this happed to me with my 06 after having a mechanic tried to fix my ac when we were on vacation.
he charged my ac and added dye and oil to system, ac quit working on our way back from vacation
went do dealer and found out that ac compressor was shot and the real cause of no Freon in system was
a leaking evaporator

 

it's a major undertaking, any way you look at it. prius a/c going down can total the car.

 

My daughters 2004 went down with a bad air conditioning compressor loading down the engine and mimicked a bad battery with slow hill climbing speed. I have located used and refurbished compressors for relatively low cost from $80 to $350 but need a good shop that knows to use ND11 hybrid oil. With 280,000 miles, dealer not an option. I had good fortune finding a shop to replace ICE and transmission for $1400 cash out the door in one day, so there should be a shop for air conditioning to stay within budget around $600 labor.