Refrigerant type?

HOUSSEM

MEMBER
2014 TOYOTA PRIUS
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
190,000 MILES

Hi,

My air conditioner is blowing air but not cold. I understood that I might need to add refrigerant. I am confused about what type of refrigerant I need to add. Is it pure Freon or should it be with oil? Under the car hood it says HFC134a for the refrigerant and ND-oil 11. As I read on the internet, there is "PAG" and "POE", what are those? Which one should I use? Can you please advise on a specific product that I can buy and use?
I appreciate your concern,
Thank you

Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 12:03 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,114 POSTS

Hi,

The vehicle will use R134A refrigerant. You can get that at any parts store. As far as the oil, if you are only adding freon to top off the system, there is no need to add oil.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

The different oils you mentioned are just that. PAG is the most commonly used. I wouldn't recommend POE. POE is a synthetic aftermarket oil and is compatible with R-134a, R12, and R410a. The problem is when exposed to moisture, it breaks down and becomes acidic.

Now, specific to your vehicle is the ND oil 11. ND-oil 11 is a POE oil, specifically developed for use in DENSO electric-driven compressors, used in hybrid and electric vehicles. This oil has high insulation properties, as the electric motor of the compressor is cooled by the refrigerant and oil mix.

So, in your case, the ND oil 11 is what you would use.

I hope this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 5:41 PM

HOUSSEM

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thank you very much for your reply, that's really helpful. One last question: as I understood, I need only pure Freon if I am going to top off (add) the system. Would you please send me a link to a product that I can order or buy from a store that fits the best my need.

Thank you again.

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Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 3:53 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,114 POSTS

Hi,

No problem. If you go to any parts store and ask them for R-134a Freon to recharge your A/C, they will point you in the right direction.

If you look below, I attached a pic from the link that shows what I would suggest getting. I've gotten that from Auto Zone, Advance, and just about any parts store around.

Pic 2 below is one I found online at Walmart.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)