Scotty:
I own a 2004 (2nd Generation) Toyota Prius, CVT, with 262,000 miles, and it still gets 50 miles per gallon. (I think it likes the hills in eastern Tennessee.) The air conditioner has never been recharged with the recommended 134a refrigerant, but it may be time with summer approaching. Some sources say that a certain amount of the appropriate type of oil should be added when recharging the A/C. Does this take it out of the hands of a do-it-yourselfer? Secondly, the Prius requires ND-OIL 11 (POE), but even a trace of the more commonly used PAG oil (which is included in some 134a refrigerant bottles) can damage the cooling system. What do you suggest I do?
Sincerely,
Dale Yaeger
Crossville, TN
The air conditioner has never been recharged with the recommended 134a refrigerant, but it may be time with summer approaching.
Why do you believe the AC needs to be recharged? Is it not working properly? "Summer approaching" in and of itself does not mean a recharge is necessary. It is not normal maintenance.
Some sources say that a certain amount of the appropriate type of oil should be added when recharging the A/C.
What sources and under what conditions do they say oil needs to be added?
Does this take it out of the hands of a do-it-yourselfer?
If you are not familiar with working on air conditioning you should let a mechanic experienced in HVAC deal with it when servicing is needed. It is all too easy to make things worse or even injure yourself.
the Prius requires ND-OIL 11 (POE), but even a trace of the more commonly used PAG oil (which is included in some 134a refrigerant bottles) can damage the cooling system. What do you suggest I do?
Don't buy refrigerant bottles that contain oil or other additives. Also stay away from so-called "sealers". Only buy pure R134a and use a manifold gauge set to monitor system pressures while charging. The right way to recharge the system is to evacuate it (requires capture and recycling equipment) then charge in the correct amount of refrigerant by weight.
It is possible to "top up" the AC if you work slowly, adding a little bit of refrigerant at a time while monitoring system pressures and outlet temperature.
