A/C not working properly

Yes. If there is a code for the high pressure sensor then that means the pressure is too high or the PCM is being told that it is and it will cut the compressor on. This means if the compressor is off then the fans do not need to run.

So this sensor code can cause all of these issues. Let's start with what that code is and we can go from there.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

However, we also need to know what the pressure is when the A/C is on and off. The fact that it does work at times shows that the system is capable but we need to find out what the actual pressure is. I am concerned when people say that the level of the freon is fine because that normally means that they tried to top it off with one of those cans and either that gauge was in the green or it would not take any more. Unfortunately this is not going to tell us what we need so just let me know if you can get the pressures of the low and high side.

This guide will cover doing this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Then can you let me know what the actual code is and we can go from there? Thanks

Okay. That is great. The low side sounds like it is right in line. I attached a chart below that will show proper pressures. However, if it starts to blow warm again then it is leaking. So just keep in mind if it does that we will need to confirm that by pulling it into a vacuum.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Great work and thanks for posting pictures. That really helps.

Oh man. Can't stand that as it is just a waste of Freon and time. However, at least we know what needs to happen.

I wouldn't waste time with vacuum checking it because you know it leaks. Depending on what Freon you used, it may have already had dye in it.

If it did then you should be able to check for a leak using this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-leak-detection

Basically we just need to find where the dye is to see what needs to be replaced.

Let me know if you have questions on this. Thanks for the update.

Wow. Talk about a parts shotgun approach. Just throw the whole thing at it and I am sure it will fix it.

Clearly that is not feasible as I suspect they didn't know what was wrong.

Sorry, yes you are correct with this being a hybrid you must use a gas leak detector. Basically they are called sniffers and they beep when they pick up Freon. However, that requires you to fill the system again and then start it and run it and see where it is picking up the Freon.

Otherwise, we would have to relay on feeling it or hearing it and that is near impossible.

They sell these things at most parts stores. You can get a cheap one for less then $50.00 if you care to do it. However, they are sensitive to storage so make sure it is in a cool dry place. Since you won't use it often, if not stored properly it will turn into a single use tool which is not desirable.

See below for a picture of the most common one. I would pick up a pair of insulated gloves as well just because you may poke around the high voltage system and just to be safe, you want to protect yourself.

Thanks

Really? Was this after you charged the system and it only lasted three hours? That is a pretty good size leak so that is surprising you didn't find it.

Did you check the evaporator housing inside the vehicle? I have seen that a number of times on Camry's, granted none were Hybrids but that should not matter.

The other thing, how did you confirm it was empty or are you assuming it is because it stopped working after a few hours? If the pressures show it empty then clearly we are missing that leak. However, we may just have a compressor circuit issue.

I get this is a basic question and it sounds like you have a good grasp on this but just need to make sure as the simplest things are what bite us.

Thanks

Yep. That is pretty clear. I have seen the line coming out of the condenser leak a number of times. Basically it is a crack in the joint and it bleeds off pressure only when the compressor is engaged.

Then it bleeds down enough that the compressor either stops coming on or the pressure is low enough for it to not blow as cold as it should.

I guess that would be as close to an intermittent leak as you can get. Only found it when the compressor was on.

Clearly that may not where this one is leaking but may be how to find it. Put enough in to get the compressor running while using that sniffer. You may be doing this, but again, I need to state it because I don't understand why it is a mystery like this.

What the heck. That is odd. I am going to reach out to a couple Toyota dealers that I know and see if they have any ideas where this can lose Freon but not be detected.

Clearly there is one place that has a whole bunch of compressor oil but we just need to find it.

I will post what I find out and we can go from there. Clearly let us know what happens as this progresses.