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Remote Air Conditioning System: How to tell if you have it

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Preeeus, Feb 2, 2016.

  1. Preeeus

    Preeeus Member

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    Page 285 of the 2010 Prius Owner Manual states:
    "Remote Air Conditioning System*" *=if equipped
    "The Remote Air Conditioning System uses electrical energy stored
    in the hybrid battery (traction battery) and allows the air conditioning
    to be operated by remote control."

    My remote controls have this button, but nothing happens when I press them for a couple seconds.

    How do I tell if my Prius is equipped with this feature (and it is broken), or if it simply does not have this feature?
     
  2. arescec

    arescec Active Member

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    same for me
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there's a button on the key fob.

    p.s. i think you can plug your vin into the toyota owners website and get the package that shows the options.
     
  4. sprtent

    sprtent Member

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    According to the "Factory Options" sheet of the "2010 Prius Product Information" below, if you have solar you have remote AC.

    FACTORY OPTIONS
    Navigation Package (available in models III, IV, and V) – Voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with JBL AM/FM/MP3 4-disc CD changer with eight speakers, integrated XM satellite radio capability, XM NavTraffic capability, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, USB port with iPod® connectivity and integrated backup camera. Models IV and V also include Safety Connect offering Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance (1-year trial subscription Included).
    Solar roof Package (available in model III and IV) – includes all contents in the Navigation Package, a powered tilt/slide moonroof with solar powered ventilation system and remote air-conditioning system
    Advance Technology Package (available in model V) – includes all contents in the Navigation Package; PreCollision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Intelligent Park Assist (IPA)


    Indications on key fob is good only if fobs are original.

    I haven't use the remote AC feature on mine much. People have talked about limitations of the system, such as remote range and short duration when the feature is activate. You would have a better experience if your car is parked in the garage or right outside the house, so that you can turn the feature on with your fob while you are inside the house getting ready to drive. If you are walking to your car (from your office, the mall, etc), you won't benefit much, because the remote range is not long enough the moment you are in range to turn on the feature, to the time you get to your car and open the door. I think the feature is off the moment you open the door.

    The feature would be very quiet when it's on, because the engine won't be on. So, make sure you're in range, and feel the airvents. You can leave the window partially open to check this.
     
    Preeeus likes this.
  5. Preeeus

    Preeeus Member

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    We figured it out with your help. It works! Thanks!

    BTW, you mentioned "Models IV and V also include Safety Connect offering Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance (1-year trial subscription Included)."

    Do ALL those features require the subscription?
     
  6. sprtent

    sprtent Member

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    I think what it meant was if you bought a brand new 2010 models IV or V with the Navigation package then, those features were included for one year. After one year you have to subscribe if you want to continue.

    If you bought the car used, you might want to ask the dealer if any of those services are still being offered for you today.
     
    Preeeus likes this.
  7. WolfpackBill

    WolfpackBill Senior Member

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    Love the feature! Wish the range could be better. I can only activate it when it's 15 feet away from the car.
     
  8. sprtent

    sprtent Member

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    I might have been wrong when saying we can partially crack open the window to check if the system works.