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Detailed analytical quality of A/C???

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Peterun, Jun 1, 2009.

  1. Peterun

    Peterun New Member

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    Hi . . Owner to be . . My only disastisfaction with the Prius II was the A/C. Fine in temps of 78 or so . . and really not up to par in areas such as Palm Springs or Arizona. Never enough cold output . . and conspicuously absent was humidity control. Would greatly appreciate owners of Prius III models to comment comprehensively on the competency of the A/C, especially those who reside in hot climates. I have a heart condition and the temperature (plus humidity) control is very important to me. Thanks so much, in advance. . .
     
    #1 Peterun, Jun 1, 2009
  2. web1b

    web1b Active Member

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    I rented a 2008 Prius and the A/C seemed cold and powerful in temps over 95 degrees. I didn't buy one because it was uncomfortable. I hated the front seats and driving position.

    If yours can't keep you cool over in weather over 78 degrees, there is a malfunction.
     
    #2 web1b, Jun 1, 2009
  3. djasonw

    djasonw Active Member

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    I agree. A/C is perfect in Southern Florida where I've spent months during the summer. High humidity and 90 degrees and AC works great. As for seats. Every toosh is different. Ironically I find the seats very comfortable. The most uncomfortable seats I've had were in a 1999 VW Cabrio. I had to trade the car in after 9 months 'cause the seats were painful. Also Mercedes C320 I had were very, very hard. Most comfortable seats I had were in a rented Volvo C70. Cushy like a living room chair!!
     
    #3 djasonw, Jun 1, 2009
  4. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    The A/C in the various 2008 Priuses that I have rented have been excellent. I have not driven a 2010 Prius so I can't comment on that one.
     
    #4 The Critic, Jun 1, 2009
  5. Sandy

    Sandy Hippi Chick

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    my 04 here in fla is very cold :)
     
    #5 Sandy, Jun 1, 2009
  6. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    I drove my 2004 across the Nullarbor desert in 48 degrees Celsius (118f) and I didn't even know it was hot outside until the AC fan got noisy then I looked at the outside temperature, ouch!!
    If your AC isn't keeping up you might want to have your AC checked out.
     
    #6 patsparks, Jun 1, 2009
  7. Sandy

    Sandy Hippi Chick

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    Yep Volovo has loungers for seats :)
     
    #7 Sandy, Jun 1, 2009
  8. spwolf

    spwolf Senior Member

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    i thought gen2 had better A/C than my Lexus GS... you should test drive gen3 to confirm, they advertise it as being good...
     
    #8 spwolf, Jun 1, 2009
  9. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    I'd say if you're missing humidity control that something may be wrong. On the Gen II, in Auto A/C mode, the compressor will cycle even w/ temps in the 60's to help control humidity. One of the sensors in the air stream is a humidity sensor and does play a factor in A/C operation and the "fuzzy logic" used to determine compressor and blower speeds.

    That being said, A/C performance in the Gen 3 is much better, but that may be because my Gen 2 needs a recharge ;-). In the Gen 3 Eco mode, you'll find the compressor speed lower and fan speed reduced at few levels, as well as "semi-forced" recirculation mode. In normal and power modes, the A/C output is increased, and if the interior is at a decent level, fresh air is permitted. You can override fresh/recirc in Eco, but it's not the default in full auto mode. I personally prefer fresh air if possible to keep the inside less "stuffy" (or if you have a "rude" passenger...:D ).
     
    #9 HTMLSpinnr, Jun 1, 2009
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