Heater 'growling' when engine is stopped

Hi John,

Referring to the Toyota service manual, Heater and Air Conditioner section, there is an illustration of the cabin heater/AC module that fits under the instrument panel. The PTC heaters have an *1 note next to them. Note *1 reads: "Cold Area Models".

For those who are wondering whether they might have the PTC heaters or not, the relay box mounted on the cowl over the engine contains two PTC heater relays, while the main relay/fuse box next to the inverter contains two 30A fuses for the two PTC heater circuits. I am assuming (perhaps wrongly) that the PTC heater relays would not be installed in those models lacking the PTC heaters.

Considering that the Toyota Europe practice has been to price Prius at a premium level (compared to North America) it would be very irritating to know that standard features of the North America model have been omitted in Europe, such as heated mirrors and the PTC electric heaters. Be glad you don't have to deal with the coolant heat recovery system and fuel bladder.

 

Patrick you are correct in your assumption about the relays not being there, the wiring is also absent.
Having read about the problems with the fuel tank bladder I am relieved we do not have that, being able to fill easily with ten gallons (UK) on one occasion I managed eleven with single blip flashing showing on fuel gauge, and over 600 miles per tank. I think 700 miles would be reasonably easy but do not want the possible problems if I ran out of fuel.
I know the theory of the thermos tank, but it is hard to see the advantage if any. The extra coolant at some point must be heated by fuel used, and in many circumstances I believe the coolant in the tank will have gone cold anyway particularly if the vehicle concerned is parked outside in cold weather. Apart from the added expense the weight of the tank it's contents, with pump, valve, and plumbing must use almost as much fuel to drag around as it saves.

John (Britprius)

 

Patrick do you know if PTC heaters are fitted in all gen2 Prius sold in the US even those in the southern generally warm states. I am just trying to get a handle on Toyota's definition of "cold area models".
Within the EU we can buy without restriction cars from any country. Even ordering a right hand drive car for use in the UK in a left hand drive country say Belgium. The price of a car can vary greatly from one country to another, but not as much as it once did. Meaning large savings can be had buying in another EU country.
The guarantee must be honored in all EU countries and the manufacturer cannot refuse delivery of a right hand drive car in a left hand drive country. Tax (VAT) must be paid but this is a standard rate across the EU at the moment 20%.

John (Britprius)

 

The PTC heaters are available in all North American Prius. For example, my 2001, 2004 and 2007 have the PTC heaters and were originally distributed by Servco Pacific which is the Hawaiian Toyota distributor. Servco Pacific is at the same point in the sales channel as Toyota Motor Sales USA.

My personal definition of "cold area" with regards to North America would be Alaska and Canada.

Hawaii is one of the last places that one would designate as being in a cold area, with its 21 degrees N latitude, tropical weather and winter low temps around 65 degrees F (18 degrees C).

 

I do not know. As of early this morning, we had a few patches of snow lingering about here and there.
UKIRT Camera

 

Yes - well, most of Hawaii is at a much lower altitude than 13,800 feet.