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Heater

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Manhal K Alrashdan, Dec 10, 2015.

  1. Manhal K Alrashdan

    Manhal K Alrashdan Junior Member

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    I wonder why the AC takes time to start heating on cold mornings.
    Actually. It gives warm air after about 5_10 minutes of driving.
    Is that OK?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no. what is the outside air temp? on a 37f degree morning, i start feeling slight warmth after 1 minute of 40 mph driving, and full heat after 4 minutes.
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    There's gonna be some lag, since the ventilation system gets its heat from engine coolant, which takes some time to heat up.

    How long this takes is the issue; if the car has significant miles you might have a failing coolant thermostat, one that's opening too soon, allowing coolant to flow to the radiator before it's heated sufficiently to warrant cooling.
     
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    You can get and install an engine block heater if you have access to a nearby AC outlet. The preheated block and coolant will allow heat sooner and give you better mpg.
     
    Manhal K Alrashdan likes this.
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    jordan temps should produce pretty quick heat without accessories, if the car is functioning properly.
     
  6. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    check coolant level maybe
     
  7. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Hehe, sorry, I'm on tapatalk and don't see location info. :p
     
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  8. Manhal K Alrashdan

    Manhal K Alrashdan Junior Member

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    I have 137K miles, actually, these days it's as cold here Jordan as the US, early moning it drops to 35-40. But I don't reach a speed of 45 mph, giving her time to warm up.
     
  9. Maarten28

    Maarten28 Active Member

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    5-10 minutes seems a bit long, but the heat for the car comes from the engine. So turning on the AC does do nothing to generate heat.
     
  10. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Assuming you have no mechanical issues...

    Just let the car warm up before leaving...you know, like other cars...and still get better mpg than the rest. I value my comfort far more than bragging rights as I work in the heat and cold already...but that's me.
     
    #10 frodoz737, Dec 11, 2015
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2015