Does climate control mean cooling for when its hot in the car? Or is that why the heatshield is so hot? I should use less ac and I know even if it does exist it would affect gas use, but there are just some times when it gets really humid where I can see wanting it. Its hard to tell from the wording I've read so far?
huh? it's an automatic climate control. If you wante better mpg, shut it off. I find 72 during the day and 73 and night is comfortable. It controls heater and A/C.
Yeah your post is a bit confusing. I'll attempt to answer what I think you're asking The automatic climate control is for both heating and cooling. Even though it says "AUTO A/C", it doesn't mean the A/C compressor is always on and it doesn't mean you're gonna be blasted with cold air when it's 0°F outside. The A/C compressor acts as a dehumidifier in the winter. Also, leaving it in AUTO A/C with the A/C button highlighted means the A/C compressor will be controlled automatically. It may or may not be on depending on the humidity sensor.
sorry I wasn't that clear, yes you both helped. Is there a manual override to the automatic controls?
Yes. If you press the Climate button next to the screen you will get a picture on the touch screen which will offer you fan speed and temperature control among other things. These things are explained in your Owner's Manual.
Since you don't have your location in your User Profile, we don't know if you are writing us from Duluth, MN or Yuma, AZ. That information can affect how or if some replies. Or is that why the heatshield is so hot? . . . Good question. Where are you located?
OH i added to my signature, I'm New Hampshire, where we get pretty cold and we get the hazy hot and humids in the 90's too.
So yeah, what Allan said. There is manual override if you wish. The automatic climate control system on the Prius is quite sophisticated. It has a two-tiered climate control system. The Prius recirculates air at foot level to help heat up faster while it blows in fresh air in the upper vents so as not to fog up the windows.
I find the MPG is about the same eiher way and it's more comfortable with it on, so might as well have it on.
Would depend on how you set things manually with Auto off. If you do the same things manually as Auto would have done automatically... no difference. If, however, you turn the thing manually off when Auto would have been running the AC compressor, you might see a mileage gain.
