1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2012 prius c no heat

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by mbj, Jan 16, 2020.

  1. mbj

    mbj New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2020
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    RI
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    My daughter's 2012 Prius C has lost heat. She says there is nothing blowing at all. Any thoughts on how I might troubleshoot this? Limited repair budget so I like to do my homework before taking it in for repair. I can try my hand at reasonably straightforward repairs myself.

    thanks!
     
    #1 mbj, Jan 16, 2020
  2. skayaks

    skayaks Active Member

    Joined:
    May 30, 2012
    123
    107
    0
    Location:
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Without knowing what symptoms there are besides no fan/no heat, some people with early model C's had a problem with the HVAC "off" button getting stuck, which prevented AC or heat from working. We seldom get lucky with problems like this, but maybe today is your lucky day?
     
    #2 skayaks, Jan 16, 2020
    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller and dig4dirt like this.
  3. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2012
    1,150
    741
    0
    Location:
    Lancaster Co PA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    yep, sticky off button maybe. wiggle it, just a little bit.

    If not, start looking at the fuses
     
    #3 dig4dirt, Jan 16, 2020
    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller likes this.
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    7,438
    6,920
    1
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    For future readers, I believe the 2012-2015 cars have the off-button problem. A new control panel was designed for the 2016 and newer models. Corrections invited.
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jan 16, 2020
    dig4dirt likes this.
  5. mbj

    mbj New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2020
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    RI
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    well, assuming the lights on the controls are accurately indicating states, it appears nothing is stuck. Daughter just came home with the car and I went out and played around with things a bit. No fan sound with either heat or AC. If I hold my hand in front of the vents there is a "suggestion of warmth".
     
    #5 mbj, Jan 16, 2020
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    7,438
    6,920
    1
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Okay, next check the eco switch down near the handbrake handle. The car will limit HVAC effort if you put it in eco mode.

    From your description I don't think this is actually what is happening because it doesn't usually limit output as severely as what you describe, but it is worth checking before diving deeper.
     
    #6 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jan 16, 2020
  7. mbj

    mbj New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2020
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    RI
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Car is not in eco mode.
    Since I last posted the climate control now does not work at all, does not power on, no lights, nothing! Checked all fuses, they seem fine, although it's hard to tell with the larger ones. New control panel needed maybe? Any idea of $ for that? I'm assuming that is something best left to the dealer?
     
    #7 mbj, Mar 3, 2020
  8. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2020
    560
    93
    7
    Location:
    Puerto Rico
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Could you upload and describe photos / videos of your problem ? it's easier to understand and help. Also check the A/C ''Off'' button since it tends to get stuck.
     
    #8 Sonic_TH, Mar 18, 2020
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)