A/C light blinks sometimes

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Victor Siles, Jul 16, 2025 at 3:50 PM.

  1. Victor Siles

    Victor Siles Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2018
    49
    6
    0
    Location:
    Garden City
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I
    My A/C blinks sometimes like 15 mins after I started the engine. I push the A/C light off wait about 2 mins and push it on again. Usually it stays on depending how long I get stuck in traffic. I had the mechanic charge my A/C a few months ago. Has anyone else experienced this before?
     
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    26,501
    17,366
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Review this thread:

    A/C Clutch Diagnosis and Replacement | PriusChat

    Be sure to read through the whole thread. It starts out, regrettably, with instructions on replacing the entire compressor clutch. Be sure to keep reading until you've learned about the ten-minute job of simply replacing the one-dollar clutch adjustment shim.

    It is kind of amazing that your 2001 has gone this long before needing the shim changed.
     
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    12,229
    2,158
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    That's wild on my Corollas I've replaced 1 once . The wavy washer on the what is it ten mm clutch nut on the Denso clutch . . So I guess they get hot lose the wave or such.