I have read in numerous threads on this site that it is important to switch the cabin air to recycled before turning off the car at night (to close the vent). I do this every night but each morning when I turn the car back on, the vent is open again (the recycled air indicator is off). Please note that I am certain that the vent and climate control system is off when the car is turned off. Is it normal for the car to start and automatically open the vent? Thanks for your help, I can't afford to support a mouse living in and eating the wires of my beloved Prius!
i think the current trend is to remove the wiper blades and cowl, and then put a mesh screen in there. and then replace the wiper blades and cowl.
The -only- way to prevent mice from moving in is to put in the mesh screens. You can't rely on the recirc/vent door.
Traugu, For instructions for removing the front wipers and cowl in order to get to the front entry holes rodents love in the Prius, see this file: Attached Files BT Tech Strut Tower Brace Install - By GadgetDad (Lee) v2.doc (4.79 MB, 131 views) For the most elegant way of screening all front and rear entry holes rodents love in the Prius, see this thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/knowledge-base-articles-discussion/51005-mouseproofing-prius.html
The recirc vent flap *should* stay closed after power-off, it's just that the electronic state defaults back to open on the next power-up but the physical flap doesn't move UNTIL then. Listen carefully to the unit or pull the filter and watch inside to see what's going on. . _H*