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Does anybody else dislike the central console dial for regulating temperature?

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by Icon3D, Jun 26, 2014.

  1. Icon3D

    Icon3D New Member

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    So I've been having a hard time understanding the efficiency of the temperature dial on our central console, my wonderful Prius v owners. Tell me if you experience the same, minor irritation in having to turn this dial multiple times to get from cold to hot and vice versa. If there were a simple fix for this, would you use it? I'm curious. I'm curious and I own a fabrication company. I may have found a solution. And I'll post pictures after I receive a few responses to my query. Humor me my loves, tell me what you think :)
     
  2. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    The system, in Auto mode, factors outside temp (as well as the inside temp) into determining the blower and heat/cool levels. It can be less than ideal because if its cooler outside but sunny you can have less cooling at the same temp setting as you would if it was hotter outside. I often find myself setting it 2-4 degrees cooler when its cooler outside. Then as it heats up outside I raise the temp setting.

    Use of ECO mode will lower both the blower speed and compressor speed, giving you a bit less cooling.

    If you don't like the "auto" functionality, just turn that off and use it like any other system.

    If you're complaining about the fact that you have to turn the dial multiple times to get from full heat to full cool, I'd just say that this is not the way the system is designed to be used. Use of full cool or full heat doesn't gain anything and wastes energy.

    Just push the dial to light up the auto mode, set your desired temp and then leave it alone.
     
  3. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    I actually like the round knob over other controls I've had (probably 40 cars some back to the no-AC days). Now that I've had the car for over a year I don't even need to look at the HVAC controls any more. I tend to set them once a season and only change if defrost is needed.
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I am unclear what you are asking, but my knob has been set on 70 with vents aimed at my face and feet for over a year. Why would you adjust it?
     
  5. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    Don't you guys have the "TEMP" up and down buttons on the steering wheel, with the HUD showing the dialled in temperature as you adjust it ?
     
  6. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Love it. Form and function.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i hate the digital up/down temp, wish i had a nice big dial that worked with winter gloves!
     
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  8. Icon3D

    Icon3D New Member

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    Hey guys, thanks for the input! And yes Rdgrimes, one of the issues is with the actual turning of the knob, my friend's wife has carpal tunnel and doesn't like how many turns it can take, and I personally think there could be a less awkward way of turning and selecting to the left and right. Another issue is that here in Portland, the weather is ever changing. Unlike New Mexico where it's hot most of the time, Portland tends to be cold and hot in varying degrees all the time. So, that being said, what do you think of THIS?!?!?!?



    IMG_20140626_105143_433.jpg IMG_20140626_105151_418.jpg IMG_20140626_105334_019.jpg IMG_20140626_105340_930.jpg IMG_20140626_105354_504.jpg IMG_20140626_105447_402.jpg
     
  9. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    There's never any reason to turn the dial more than a couple clicks one way or the other. Auto mode handles it.
     
  10. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    As long as it's left engaged...
     
  11. nsfbr

    nsfbr Member

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    "This video is private."

    Well okay then.
     
  12. Icon3D

    Icon3D New Member

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    The video is marked private? Well that's lame.
     
  13. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    I see your solution as one that is needed/wanted in your case. But I'm not sure it has a wide market.
     
  14. GerryL

    GerryL Master Model Railroader

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    It's a clever idea, but to me it seems like a solution in search of a problem.
     
  15. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    It's an accommodation, useful to those who need it.
     
  16. Icon3D

    Icon3D New Member

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    It's a novelty item, true. Like those little, rubber monkey heads you put on your keys. However, I do appreciate all the feedback, positive and negative alike. Stay strong, keep Prius-ing. :)
     
  17. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    If I could get a bent piece of plastic for my v, a hood for the lcd display, to reduce glare!
     
  18. rsforkner

    rsforkner Member

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    Not thrilled with knobs of any kind. I have fully immersed myself info a push button world and along comes this big old knob. :)
    I can live with it. I do think that rocking the button around for change different is a bit clumsy however.
     
  19. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Just think of it as a fat joystick. ;)
     
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  20. BuckyB

    BuckyB Junior Member

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    Although I don't personally see the need for this, I must say you did a beautiful job of it.
     
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