votru

iTrader: (7)

Very good post .

IS-SV

We are starting to get some current and up-to-date automotive AC information on this thread, a good thing.

Obviously in the last 10-15 years AC compressor failures are extremely rare. These modern AC systems are very reliable and robust.

I can report on one AC compressor failure dating back to a 1996 JGC (a SUV I sold to a family member in early 2001), the AC compressor failed at about 140K miles but not while I owned the vehicle. Otherwise I've experienced zero AC failures in the dozens of vehicles owned.

mmarshall

Good point....if that is indeed the case. There may (?) be a way to easily disconect a hybrid battery-pack, but I'm not aware of any (and I'll defer to you on that, since you own a hybrid). A hybrid battery-pack, though, holds a lot more power than a conventional gas-engine battery....seems like it would take a lot longer to discharge it under parasitic-drain conditions while parked.

mmarshall

More of them today are automatic, where the computer turns them on and off. Manual-operation, even once a weeek or so, has become less of a necessity.

You (or the computers in your cars) are probably diligent about using the compressors. If so, then this entire thread does not apply to you....you didn't need it.

IS-SV

Porsche cars are often garage queens used mostly in fair weather conditions. So they will often sit for weeks at a time in garages during mediocre weather. A battery maintainer helps (a OEM battery charger that plugs into ciggie lighter plug), but even using that I found the batteries lasted about 4 years.

IS-SV

I'm not especially diligent. I do not use my compressor for weeks at a time during the colder months. I use my auto climate control systems manually most of the time with manual use/control of the AC button. "Computers in my cars" are not "diligent about using the compressors".

My vehicle ownership experiences and use of AC is not uncommon these days. I think you started a good thread with the usual common knowledge out there, and now we have others chiming in with current/relevant/useful/updated information related to the automotive AC systems of today.

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

im too poor or use my AC hahaha (college student). But i will consider using it now

kitlz

Might not be too recent, the compressor was replaced on my '99 RX300 in August '03. It was less than 5 years old and about 50K on the odometer. The first symptom was the flashing A/C light/hot air followed soon after by a completely inoperable instrument panel. The repair was over $500 for a remanufactured compressor. I had the extended warranty so I was covered. Didn't even have to pay the deductible. Everything worked well for the next month. I don't know what happened beyond that because I traded it in for the 330 I had ordered before the A/C failed.

IS-SV

kitlz - Thanks for the report on 1st gen '99 RX.

bagwell

Mike, is the compressor on your GS450h electronic or belt driven?...just curious as the Prius is electronic.