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2008 defrost setting blows cold air on my feet

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by BBike, Jan 7, 2009.

  1. BBike

    BBike New Member

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    I took my 2008 package 2 in for service last Monday. The dealer tested the airflow and found it to be similar to other Prius's. But they did find a problem with air coming "from the center of the shafts that control the blend doors." They tried to seal up the openings with some kind of caulk but said there was also some leaking around the outsides of the shafts.

    My defrost just doesn't seem to keep the windshield clear when it gets below about 20F. And when I turn on the defrost, I get a blast of cold air on my feet. It seems to take forever for the heater to get up to temp. Anyone else having problems like this with their 2008?

    I'm going to try blocking the grill with pipe insulation, but it seems like there should be a better way. Wish I had my Camry back...
     
    #1 BBike, Jan 7, 2009
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    That's not right. The defrost on my Prius is excellent, and we get plenty of cold weather. You need another trip to the dealer, or perhaps a better dealer.

    Tom
     
    #2 qbee42, Jan 7, 2009
  3. BBike

    BBike New Member

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    Went to the dealer and drove another Prius. The output from the defrost is similar. It seems strange to me that other people have not complained much about this... I also drove a Camry and the difference in heating capability was so obvious. If you are in a cold climate and like having warm feet, the Prius is probably not the car for you.
     
    #3 BBike, Jan 13, 2009
  4. swi66

    swi66 Member

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    This became noticeable to me today.
    I have a 2008 package 2.
    But today the morning temperature was 7 degrees outside.
    If I did not have the car on full windshield defrost, it would fog over.
    If I put the setting on split for foot heat and defrost, it would fog over.

    I have poor circulation, so cold feet really bother me.
     
    #4 swi66, Jan 15, 2009
  5. mcsj

    mcsj Member

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    III
    BBike, we had -20F this morning, and I also feel that the heater is not strong enough. I blocked ALL the grill with pipe insulation, and use windshield/floor setting, and fan speed somewhere between mid to high. That gives barely an acceptable warm air to warm my feet, and clear the frost on the windshield and a little bit of side windows to let me see the mirrors. I also need to turn the rear window defroster on all the time.

    Even with grill blocking, the heater still takes too much heat from the engine, and the engine keeps running all the time (and hurt my gas milage).
    But in this extreme weather, I can forgive myself for the low gas milage.

     
    #5 mcsj, Jan 15, 2009
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