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A/C blowing at half speed?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by dlegate, Oct 17, 2018.

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  1. dlegate

    dlegate Junior Member

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    I've noticed a sudden drop in the pressure / air flow for my A/C & heating system.

    It feels like it's blowing at less than half the power as before, even when I crank the fan speed all the way up. Tried on both recirculate and fresh air modes.

    Are there intake(s) I can check for blockage? Not sure where it is (they are?) located.

    I have only 6k miles on this 2017 Prius Prime.

    Any assistance is appreciated.
     
    #1 dlegate, Oct 17, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check the cabin filter, behind the glovebox, unless they changed it

    is there an eco setting in the hvac menu which might reduce it?

    intake should be the grille below the wipers
     
    #2 bisco, Oct 17, 2018
  3. dlegate

    dlegate Junior Member

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    So basically the intake is under the windshield (internal or external)? If so, nothing is blocking that at all. Also, nothing blocking behind glovebox either.

    Yes, tried Eco off and back on - no change.

    I think I should probably take it in to have it looked at.
     
    #3 dlegate, Oct 17, 2018
  4. coach81

    coach81 Active Member

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    Yeah sounds like a checkup is needed.
     
    #4 coach81, Oct 18, 2018
  5. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    You might want to check the Cabin Air Filter/Cleaner behind the glove box. Check YouTube for Prius cabin filter change instructions. They are all basically the same procedure...
     
    #5 FuelMiser, Oct 18, 2018
  6. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    There is also a Front Seat/Rear Seat Bias setting that reduces output airflow when the back seat is unoccupied. The button shows airflow to front and an 'x' for the back seat. When the LED in this button is ON, you are not getting full airflow from the upper vents. Also, when in front only mode, it knows whether there is a front passenger and shuts down airflow out the passenger side front vents.
     
    #6 FuelMiser, Oct 18, 2018
    bisco likes this.
  7. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    The actual intake is under the plastic valence that is at the base of the windshield. The cabin filter for the old Taurus was under there, and I've found leaves and dirt gathered under there. If that is the problem, that is minor. In my experience with other models, it is the drains that get blocked, which results in rain water on the front passenger floor as the backed up water flows into the HVAC intake.
     
    #7 Trollbait, Oct 18, 2018
  8. dlegate

    dlegate Junior Member

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    Thanks for pointing that out... it was already set to Driver Priority, and turning it off/on didn't make much difference.
     
    #8 dlegate, Oct 18, 2018
  9. coach81

    coach81 Active Member

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    Please let us know what the problem ends up being...
     
    #9 coach81, Oct 18, 2018
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