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Fan only uses front vents

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Trontite, Jul 24, 2017.

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  1. Trontite

    Trontite New Member

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    I bought a 2012 c4 two years ago and I love it.

    Suddenly I am unable to switch the air flow to feet or windshield. The windshield button makes it blow out the front vents.

    Is there an actuator i can check for blockage? fuse(s) could i check to rule out? Could something have been unplugged?
     
    #1 Trontite, Jul 24, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's usually a stuck damper, but they are way inside the dash and a nightmare to get to.
    when you press the button, with the engine off, can you hear any sounds of movement?
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 24, 2017
  3. Trontite

    Trontite New Member

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    With the engine off, I don't hear any movement. Approximately where is the possible culprit damper?
     
    #3 Trontite, Jul 24, 2017
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    buried near the beginning of the vent system. you can find it in an online parts breakdown, and repair procedure at toyota tech info.
    but if you're not hearing anything at all, it's possible you have a bad switch, wiring or fuse.
    any of the hvac buttons stuck down?
     
    #4 bisco, Jul 24, 2017
  5. Trontite

    Trontite New Member

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    After some time, I did notice a weird noise coming from the passenger side. I removed the glove box and saw a little white plastic arm piece popped out of it's housing. I reseated the piece, and everything works again. Thanks for your help!
     
    #5 Trontite, Jul 25, 2017
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats! all the best.(y)
     
    #6 bisco, Jul 25, 2017
  7. insaner

    insaner Junior Member

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    Care to elaborate? I’m having the same problems! Thanks.
     
    #7 insaner, Dec 11, 2017
  8. Trontite

    Trontite New Member

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    1) remove glove box
    2) locate the actuator that switches the vents between the different pathways.
    If you are having the same problem that I was, there should be a little white elbow that's clearly popped out of it's housing. Snap in back in and you should be good to go.
     
    #8 Trontite, Dec 11, 2017
  9. insaner

    insaner Junior Member

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    I saw that thread and hoped that was the problem and just went out and removed glove box but couldn’t find the actuator. Do you have a picture?
     
    #9 insaner, Dec 11, 2017
  10. insaner

    insaner Junior Member

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    Oops I see I’m in this thread lol
     
    #10 insaner, Dec 11, 2017
  11. insaner

    insaner Junior Member

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    I see this is in the C forum. Mine is a generation two touring. Maybe it’s in a different place.
     
    #11 insaner, Dec 11, 2017
  12. Trontite

    Trontite New Member

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    I only know about the Prius C, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was similar. Can you hear weird noises when you change which vent it's supposed to use? The weird noise is coming from the actuator which you should be able to see/ hear more clearly now that the glove box is removed. Use a flashlight to look under there while you change vent from one area to another.
     
    #12 Trontite, Dec 11, 2017
  13. insaner

    insaner Junior Member

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    Yes I hear noises and looked extensively but couldn’t see anything. I also can’t seem to find its location by searching the internet. Not my day, apparently.
     
    #13 insaner, Dec 11, 2017
  14. insaner

    insaner Junior Member

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    could you tell me which direction to look? If it’s the actuator that handles the one inside of the blower motor it seems to be functioning properly.
     
    #14 insaner, Dec 11, 2017
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