2005 Prius with AC problem. When car is started AC will come on and cool for about 5 minutes. Then Air turns hot. Thoughts on issue? If cooling at all it must have a charge and compressor must work ???
Welcome to PriusChat!! Do you have any warning lights on the dash? What is the mileage, and overall vehicle maintenance history like? You can view prior dealer only maintenance by entering the VIN at : https://toyota.com/owners
Incorrect charge could cause this. But so other things. But as it cools and you don't have fault light it's probably not a bad compressor. Unfortunately this is almost impossible to diagnose without being there and/or having a gauge set or checking the system fill.
Dealer first did an evac and recharge, but problem persisted. Then recommended replacing AC pressure switch (got second dealer opinion) Second dealer said AC pressure switch almost never goes by itself, likely compressor. That's where things stand. I love the car, but car value stands at $5,300 max so I don't want to plow thousands into it searching for the problem. Unfortunately failed AC makes it difficult to drive for a good portion of the year. yes that is it. but only when turned off for a while. AC works for about 5 minutes then turns to heat or outside air temp (it was summer when I was diagnosing so hard to tell)
How about a failing traction battery? You would know that by the discharged or erratic state of charge display on your MFD. Yes, we're just guessing. Was that a Toyota dealer you mention? They should know what to do.
Testing the AC pressure switch should be easy. All you would need is the AC pressure gauge and compare the stage of switch to pressure. If dealer did that and came to conclusion that switch was bad then switch is bad.
