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Environment control (heating)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Piotrus Pan, Dec 1, 2014.

  1. Piotrus Pan

    Piotrus Pan Member

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    Hi everyone.
    Winter is coming so I often use heating in "Auto" mode but that mode seems to be only working when the air outlet is directed to front window and feet. When I change it to face and feet or any other than the default, Auto turns off, is that normal?
    Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 Piotrus Pan, Dec 1, 2014
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    good question. i don't use auto, so no idea. what does the o/m say?
     
    #2 bisco, Dec 1, 2014
  3. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Auto is auto. If you want to control it, then it isnt auto, it is manual. :whistle:
     
    #3 gliderman, Dec 2, 2014
  4. Piotrus Pan

    Piotrus Pan Member

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    The manual says what the environment buttons do but not how they interact with each other unfortunately.
     
    #4 Piotrus Pan, Dec 2, 2014
  5. Piotrus Pan

    Piotrus Pan Member

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    Yes, I understand what you are saying but it's an automatic environment control, why would it matter if the air is coming from window vents or chest vents?
     
    #5 Piotrus Pan, Dec 2, 2014
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that's a good point, i don't think the car knows when the windows need defrosting or if your fingers are cold. that's why i use manual.
     
    #6 bisco, Dec 2, 2014
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    after you change it, what happens if you hit auto again, does it switch back to feet/window?
     
    #7 bisco, Dec 2, 2014
  8. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Yep. It is programmed to do what Toyota thinks is right. I know that not everyone wants the heat on their feet all the time in the winter. Or the A/C on their face in the summer. But that is the way of the Toyota world. Now take control and use it any way you want with the manual setting, and show Toyota who is boss!
     
    #8 gliderman, Dec 2, 2014
  9. Piotrus Pan

    Piotrus Pan Member

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    It's like this:
    Auto ON -> Vents blow on window/feet
    Changing "Mode" to chest/feet (or any other) -> Auto turns OFF
    Switching Auto ON again -> Vents go back to window/feet
     
    #9 Piotrus Pan, Dec 2, 2014
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that's what i was afraid of. makes no cents.
     
    #10 bisco, Dec 2, 2014
  11. Piotrus Pan

    Piotrus Pan Member

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    Hello everyone.
    I think I know why this Environment Control works so strange.
    Summer is near and it's getting warmer. When the temperature outside exceeds around 10 degrees Celsius the Environment Control no longer forces air going to the front window. When the temperature is 10 degrees you can have "Automatic Environment Control" and change the air flow without turning "Auto" off.
    I guess that Toyota assumes in winter you always want to have your air going on the front window.
    Cheers!
     
    #11 Piotrus Pan, Apr 8, 2015
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    dang, i think you nailed it, thanks!(y)
     
    #12 bisco, Apr 8, 2015
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