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Extend remote AC duration?

Discussion in 'Prime Technical Discussion' started by Patric88, Nov 14, 2020.

  1. Patric88

    Patric88 Junior Member

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    So when using the key fob and pressing the AC button, it works for 5 minutes. And living in extreme cold areas, I need 10-15 min to defrost the car fully. I've searched the manual and forms and this is not possible normally. But is there a way to add a resistor or some sort of circuit mod I can do that will keep the remote AC on for longer durations?

    TIA.
     
  2. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Is it really only 5 minutes on the 2020 Prime?
    The easy way (on the 17 - 19 anyways) is to push the fob button again or two times) after each per conditioning session stops.
     
  3. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    The remote A/C can be repeated as many times as you want as long as there is enough charge in the traction battery. As the manual states, the remote A/C (and also climate preconditioning) runs approximately 10min and shuts itself off automatically. In my experience, when the ambient temperature is below 30F, the heat pump becomes less effective. I don't usually use or feel the need for cabin heat until the ambient temp is well below 20F. At below 20F, the heat pump is very little use, and lower than 14F, it is non-functional. Thus for me, the remote A/C and preconditioning feature on my PP is not very helpful.
    upload_2020-11-15_7-36-46.png
     
  4. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Here's a sticky in the Prime Main forum Section, describing some of the functionality of the Climate Control system.
    Besides adding "some" heat to the cabin (most of us are only concerned about), it also exercises a few of the components under the hood (most of us don't care to much about)....ymmv !
    Remote A/C & Climate Prep Quick Guide | PriusChat
     
  5. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    When it turns off, start it again.
    OR.....go to the car, put it in READY mode (start it), set the HVAC controls, lock it and go back inside.
     
    vvillovv likes this.
  6. Patric88

    Patric88 Junior Member

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    Can't lock it
    When I use the remote AC button with a dead battery and hvac set to what I was before I leave for the night, my engine will usually turn on to heat my car
     
  7. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Let me see if I understand what you are saying... There are a few things not correct.
    1. Toyota OEM Remote A/C can not be used if the traction battery has no charge.
    2. Toyota OEM Remote A/C will never start the engine.
    3. If the charge cord is plugged, the engine can not be started nor can go to READY mode.
    Thus, I don't understand what you are saying. Is your car equipped with an aftermarket remote engine starter such as Viper or Compustar? If so, then the engine will start as long as the charge cord is not plugged in and the traction battery has no charge.
     
    #7 Salamander_King, Nov 16, 2020
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2020
  8. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    @Patric88 that's interesting if your Permium really does that. The heat pump / electic A/C both make a lot of noise during per conditioning, but it doesn't really sound much like the engine is on, at least on my 17 plus.
     
  9. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    My advice: Buck it up, buttercup. :)

    A really LOT of people live in cold areas without any kind of "remote start" and somehow seem to survive.
    I did it for about 50 years. A few of them with a VW that didn't really even HAVE a heater. :eek: