Hey all, Have an unfortunate experience with my 2017 Prime Advanced. Long story short-started with no AC when I pulled vehicle out of winter storage. Since I’ve seen this before, figured there may have been a small leak-and while sitting it simply bled out slowly causing it to be low on charge now. Weird thing was though is that compressor seemed to keep trying to run regardless. Got a ratcheting noise that sounded bad enough to make me shut the ac off and leave it off until I could get gauges hooked up. I understand these compressors are loud, but that particular time it did not sound right. After this, decided just to leave ac off until I could do a recover/vacuum/recharge. Didn’t make it there without issue though as I believe ac cycled on a random day by automatically coming on with defrost and gave me a P33cf code. At least from what my scanner can read-this is the only code. The theory this code was related to the ac issue is my best guess, as from what I can find a possible cause for this code is an ac malfunction. Last night I hooked up ac gauge set, only recovered only 12oz, (so have a leak somewhere), but I pulled a very good looking vacuum out which system also seemed to hold very well after letting it sit a while. I did replace a leaking service Schrader valve also. (Possible this was the only leak if I’m lucky). On startup, I did get a little lower pressure on high side after it was charged and running (around 80-90psi) but it was only 15 degrees out by the time I had it charged up. Low side was okay but bit high at like 47psi. Thought I may have been okay at least until I could get some dye into it, but then that same code came back again this morning-once again while using defrost. I’ve never heard compressor run rough again, ever since that one time way back a couple weeks ago. Just sounds normal. Felt like ac was working out vents last night, but likely wont be able to check again on warm day until code is cleared again. This code seems to be extremely generic, and vague. Does anyone have similar dealings with Prime Ac issues? I’ve read issues about the leaks in the passenger front area (honestly this may be where my leak likely is), and the issue with the servo motor in the dampner. Just worried it’s the compressor that’s drawing too much now causing that fault. The pressure readings don’t help my confidence any in the compressor either.. Any insights or suggestions would be welcomed! These cars still have limited information available for them seemingly. Thanks in advance for the help!
What method or device was used to obtain this code? The history of this site has not seen such code in Prius.
Just used my old snapon scan tool. I had to use the generic function on it to get it as it’s not updated enough..so that’s not 100% reassuring It is an actual code number though, and does come up a few places when I googled it though, and does have a page on Shopkey. I would like to try on a techstream or a newer scan tool, just to verify there’s nothing else on there. Hoping to do that soon too. I attached what I found on it
