Freon for Hybrids
 

Was going to add some R-134a to my Honda Civic Hybrid. Auto parts person said it takes a special, non-conductive oil. It could cause damage to use regular 134A oil. I looked it up and found this is true. Has anyone else dealt with this issue? Is this a dealer only repair?

Do you need to add any more oil? I'd assume not unless you were doing a complete refill...

I've never seen any mention to non-conductive oil for the A/C system.

The 2nd gen Civic hybrid has a 2-way compressor: belt drive or electric. All the other Hondas (first, third gen Civic hybrid, Insight, and CR-Z) have a plain-Jane belt drive compressor.

All electric drive compressors require special ester based oil that typically has a 10MΩ resistance. PAG oil is 1MΩ.

I replaced a compressor on an '06 HCH2. Yeah... needs special oil. 50ml of the stuff was $60.

The good news is that if you're just topping off, you don't need any oil. Just use straight, pure R-134a with no oils, dyes or sealants. My favorite is the $4.88 can of Supertech at Walmart. Get the $15 low side hose and keep it dedicated to the HCH2.

I'm not so familiar with vapour-cycle air-conditioning, only the air-cycling setup fitted to jet aircraft. But anyway, is it possible to use some oil for stationary all-electric compressors such as the ones used in fridges and home air-conditioner appliances?

I dunno. I'd just buy the purpose made stuff for $15 and be done with it.

https://www.amazon.com/TSI-Supercool.../dp/B008PKV7AE

https://aviondemand.com/insider/mast...-systems-pt-1/ claims the oil Toyota tells to use is an ester with high dielectric properties.
Hybrid vehicle air conditioning service - Automotive Service Professional has better info

My point was an eventual similarity between a home air-conditioner and a hybrid car electric-driven compressor. Since hybrids are quite recent in my country, it wouldn't be so easy to find the right supplies by now...

The major issue with auto a/c is the rubber hoses witch allows the freon to escape. The lube oil molecules can't leave by the same process so it remains. Unless the fittings and hoses are greasy you don't need oil.

My 15 year old home system hasn't leaked much at all.