AC issues? Repair for $10!?!?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by TwoPrii, Aug 12, 2025 at 6:57 AM.

  1. TwoPrii

    TwoPrii Junior Member

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    I know it can be way, way worse... But I happened to diagnose everything from my AC shutting off and being unresponsive from the touchscreen, and got it all the way down to a less than $10 dollar issue. Phew!

    This simple maintenance will save you hassle down the road, and possibly save you a lot of money!

    I made a video of my findings... Hope it helps someone!

     
    bisco likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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  3. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    Maybe also clean the A/C condenser? Ours was both dirty and had quite a few beaten up spots where the fins were mashed. Straightened the fins with cylindrical toothpicks (super tedious work and not so comfortable to do while seated on the ground in front of the vehicle), sprayed the condenser with a can of A/C cleaner, rinsed dirt and cleaner off with distilled water (our tap water is super hard, no point covering the condenser with calcium) and the A/C seemed to work better.

    For a first and much easier pass maybe just spray the condenser gently (those fins are flimsy!) with clean water to get off as much dirt as possible.