ThumperPup

HI is there anything differnet about the AC System in the Hybrid then the non Hyrbid ES ? and if so
is the recharging the same ? or ac services the same ?

TechNut

Yes. The compressor on the hybrid is electric rather than driven by the gas engine via a belt. Otherwise your AC would shut down any time the gas engine isn't running. As for recharging comparison, I have never needed to find out and would let the dealer handle it the need did arise, so I can't help with that question.

12jimmyjam

On the hybrid (not sure about the gas version) but the AC doesn’t run as strong in eco mode.

ThumperPup

thanks for the info you supplied im going ot ask the dealere cause its 4 years old 2016 and it spend the first 4 summers it wsas down in florida where the AC gets used the most so im going to see if it needs to be services at all

ThumperPup

THank you
Yes i have noticed that in eco mode it does seem to loose some performance in fan speed and ac power
I am just wondering if it gets a recharge in the AC system just like the gas engine ES350 models do since its 4 years old now spend 4 hard summers in florida and this will be the first full summer i have owned it want to make sure i get it services as it may need to be

zes

Why would you even touch the AC if it runs fine. It has an electric compressor, so that is much more reliable than an engine driven compressor which gets beaten up by the revving of the engine. Unless you have problems, you should just get the air ducts, and evaporator cleaned. There is no reason for the gas to leak. The ES evaporator tends to get mold issues, especially in humid weather. Also change the air filter. Get it from Amazon and DIY. Easy to do.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I lived in FL for 30 years and have never had any car under 8 years old have a freon leak. There's lubricant in the freon that keeps seals moisturized and o-rings as well.Year round use is good for it vs unused for most of the year. I really think you're good but they can put gauges on it to check easy enough without creating any issues. These newer systems use much less total amount of coolant so it's more critical for efficiency if it's low by a few ounces.

coolsaber

Can anyone confirm the the Oil is different in the hybrids for electrical safety?

I remember reading that the electric compressor was designed to be safe from the hybrid system so while they used standard 134a, the oil is non conductive.

TLdR
Hybrid 134a is different from your garden variety 134a for regular vehicles.

RogueXI

From what I've read, you do need a special type of refrigerant. Toyota ND-11 is what they use on their hybrid cars. You cannot use regular, off the shelf R134a. It will ruin the system. I thought about buying the oil and gauges/hoses myself but for the cost and risk of over/under-charging the system, it's probably best to have it serviced by the dealer