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hybrid mode OFF, A/C ON, what will happen?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by formula, Apr 3, 2012.

  1. formula

    formula Member

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    I am just wondering what will happen if hybrid mode OFF, A/C is ON for a long period of time?

    or I have to turn ON the hybrid mode before I can turn ON the A/C?


    1) will the engine start itself to recharge?

    2) turn OFF the A/C automatically ?

    3) Warning sound? but nothing will happen?
     
  2. SquallLHeart

    SquallLHeart The Techie Guy

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    hybrid mode?

    there's normal, Eco, and EV mode... there's no "hybrid mode"...

    you can turn on the a/c whenever you want.
     
  3. formula

    formula Member

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    I meant if the car is not ON and I turn on the A/C, will it draw out all the juice?
     
  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    If you turn the A/C on high it may start the engine depending on current draw, State of Charge (SOC) for the HV battery, and a couple other factors. This is just one of the reasons that running the A/C system hard can cause lower mpg. You will not hurt the car regardless of which mode you put the car in. If the HV battery is drained te engine will turn on to recharge it. You don't have to worry about anything.

    To reduce the impact of A/C use on mpg check out this thread.

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-fuel-economy/97814-how-reduce-mpg-loss-because-c-use.html
     
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  5. Erikon

    Erikon Active Member

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    If the car isn't turned on, AC won't run, or anything else! If you mean the car is turned on but the engine isn't running, like at a stop light or running on EV, the AC will run, draining the battery till it hits two bars and then the engine kicks on to recharge the battery.
     
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  6. rmojo

    rmojo Junior Member

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    From my experience.. The fuel saving fairy will come buy and punch you in the face..beware!
     
  7. ItsNotAboutTheMoney

    ItsNotAboutTheMoney EditProfOptInfoCustomUser Title

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    Note that if it's like the Prius liftback it will run the engine for a minimal amount of time, keeping the battery at two bars. It knows that it's inefficient to run the engine when the car's not moving.
     
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  8. LizKauai

    LizKauai First PriusC3 owner on Kauai!

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    The Prius is there to provide my comfort and driving happiness. It does all that... engine kicks in to charge the battery if I happen to feel like reading my mail while parked at the post office in 80 degree heat... luvvit. Still a small carbon footprint and 61+ mpg.
    :rockon:
     
  9. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Damn you Hawaiian people and your crazy mpg! I'm not jealous or anything. :p
     
  10. cpfans4

    cpfans4 Junior Member

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    I think what is meant is turning on accessories and running the ac without turning on the engine. The prius is different than other cars and I would assume you could get a functioning ac without running your engine as it runs without a belt using an electric motor so if you can get functioning ac it could drain your battery quickly.