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2012 prius c no heat

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

  1. mbj

    mbj New Member

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    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!
     
  2. skayaks

    skayaks Active Member

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    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?
     
  3. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    yep, sticky off button maybe. wiggle it, just a little bit.

    If not, start looking at the fuses
     
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    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.
     
    dig4dirt likes this.
  5. mbj

    mbj New Member

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    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".
     
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    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.
     
  7. mbj

    mbj New Member

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    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?
     
  8. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

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    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.