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Windows fogging

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by CdotK, Dec 5, 2013.

  1. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    So its been really cold here in UT the past few days and i have been running my heat but i have noticed that when i have it on recirculating my windows start to fog, then i change it to the outside air and they 'unfog'... whats up with that? I have the AC on, shouldnt that reduce the amount of moisture in the car regardless of what setting is selected?

    The reason this bothers me is when i have the outside air coming in i get all the exhaust smells from every vehicle in font of me which gives me a headache :(

    This will suck if i have to deal with with this all winter!!!
     
    #1 CdotK, Dec 5, 2013
  2. kye04

    kye04 Junior Member

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    It is normal. All the cars make like this...
    Recirculation is not made so you can travel all day long with it...
     
    #2 kye04, Dec 5, 2013
  3. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    thats not true... i have never had this problem in any other car/truck
     
    #3 CdotK, Dec 5, 2013
  4. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    This should be no different from any other vehicle, though it's possible that the Prius uses the AC compressor less in cold weather.

    Make sure you don't have any leaks leading to damp carpets or whatever.

    Honestly, in the long run, you're breathing outside air anyhow.
     
    #4 css28, Dec 5, 2013
  5. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    Yeah but the exhaust smell is WAY worse when i switch it to outside air! Just sucks!
     
    #5 CdotK, Dec 5, 2013
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #6 JimboPalmer, Dec 5, 2013
  7. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    You should see how fast my windows fog up when I pickup the kids from swim practice!

    Recirculation is not your friend in the winter...
     
    #7 mrstop, Dec 5, 2013
  8. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    wow.. guess i never had this problem... then again i have been driving a big 4 door F150 for the past 6 years...
     
    #8 CdotK, Dec 5, 2013
  9. bedrock8x

    bedrock8x Senior Member

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    Pushing the AC button does not turn on the AC because you have the heat on. In order for the AC to run, you have to push the defrost button for the windshield.

     
    #9 bedrock8x, Dec 5, 2013
  10. alekska

    alekska Active Member

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    At very low ambient temperatures AC compressor will NOT work (this is done to protect the AC system from being damaged) even if your AC button is pushed and illuminated. There is a temperature sensor in the freon line that measures the temperature.

    - Alex
     
    #10 alekska, Dec 5, 2013
  11. CdotK

    CdotK Member

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    thanks!
     
    #11 CdotK, Dec 5, 2013
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