1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Prius C 2016 HVAC actuator Location

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by I_commute_to_work, Nov 7, 2021.

Tags:
  1. I_commute_to_work

    I_commute_to_work Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2019
    7
    2
    0
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    My 2016 Prius C Three blows AC blows air in the wrong vents.

    It seems the HVAC door blend actuator has gone bad.

    I've been trying to look where exactly it is located but no luck so far. Also anyone knows the part number?

    Thanks.
     
    #1 I_commute_to_work, Nov 7, 2021
  2. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2020
    525
    83
    7
    Location:
    Puerto Rico
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    Try by disconnecting the 12v battery for a few minutes. I think that if you want to access that door you have to remove the entire dash.
     
    #2 Sonic_TH, Nov 8, 2021
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    23,278
    15,078
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I would say it sounds like the air outlet actuator has gone bad. The blend actuator is the one that makes the air warmer or cooler.
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Nov 8, 2021
    I_commute_to_work likes this.
  4. I_commute_to_work

    I_commute_to_work Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2019
    7
    2
    0
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    UPDATE
    It fixed itself, broke again, and today somehow it's working fine again.

    I think it's a programming thing because I usually haul azz when pressing the buttons to switch vent output.

    I've been taking it slowly now when I press the buttons and so far so good. Must admit I have PTSD when I interact with the AC controls now.
     
    #4 I_commute_to_work, Nov 12, 2021
  5. topshot

    topshot Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2017
    141
    56
    0
    Location:
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    It sounds like either the output actuator per ChapmanF or the switch itself is on its way out. It seems the switch on the c has had issues of getting stuck in OFF for the some users so maybe it isn't that robust. Is there a reason why you keep changing vents instead of keeping it in AUTO mode?
     
    #5 topshot, Nov 14, 2021
  6. I_commute_to_work

    I_commute_to_work Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2019
    7
    2
    0
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Mainly for windshield defog. I'm trying to leave it in auto from now on, and be gentle if adjustments are needed.

    So my suspicion is that it's not mechanical issue but a software/logic problem somewhere, only time will tell.
     
    #6 I_commute_to_work, Nov 14, 2021
  7. topshot

    topshot Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2017
    141
    56
    0
    Location:
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Highly doubt that since it affects only your car and not the thousands of others from 2015 on the road (I have the same vehicle). It is a mechanical or electrical issue that is currently intermittent.
     
    #7 topshot, Nov 15, 2021
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)