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AC problems

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by kmshelly, Aug 31, 2007.

  1. kmshelly

    kmshelly New Member

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    For the last 6 months the only way we can turn the AC off is by turning the heat on. We've tried every imaginable combination of settings, but the vents continue to pour out cold air unless the A/C button is "off" AND the temperature setting is "max heat". If we simply want to to have fresh outside air circulate, it can't be done. We took it to a dealer who doesn't know why it's doing that and suggests a $500-600 replacement on something in the temperature control panel, but they say they don't guarantee it will fix the problem. (I hate the computerized gizmos - just give me the old dials!) Any ideas?
     
    #1 kmshelly, Aug 31, 2007
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KSS85 @ Aug 31 2007, 12:23 PM) [snapback]504935[/snapback]</div>
    Trade it for an old fashioned car - :p - Just kidding. You need a different dealer. If they can't help you with that, you are working with the wrong people.

    Tom
     
    #2 qbee42, Aug 31, 2007
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    For the vent setting you're looking for I turn off the AC on the MFD. Touch the fan speed I want (which disables the "auto" function), then set the temp to Max Cold.

    While cold air will 'pour out' for a while eventually it'll settle down to outside air temp. If it truely continues to cool the air with the AC button off and the auto setting off then there is something broken and a different dealer should be able to diagnose and treat.
     
    #3 efusco, Aug 31, 2007
  4. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Aug 31 2007, 03:55 PM) [snapback]505105[/snapback]</div>
    Or a good parka will solve the problem, at least in the summer. :D

    Tom
     
    #4 qbee42, Aug 31, 2007
  5. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Evan is correct, except you will probably have to keep telling the A/C to go off. Mine will keep coming back on when I do what he suggests. Just keep turning it off and setting everything else the way you want it, and eventually it will stay off. It's the yellow underline "lamp" at the A/C box on the bottom of the climate screen that you want off. I also set the temp number to a nice comfortable setting, say 68 deg F (I use 20 C of course).

    Hey, everyone want to be cool, so you can expect the Prius to be no exception. ;)
     
    #5 David Beale, Aug 31, 2007
  6. wiiprii

    wiiprii New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Aug 31 2007, 03:03 PM) [snapback]505161[/snapback]</div>
    I too use the normal vent with a low fan setting (set temp to max cold for outside air) and when I go from Auto A/C to this setting I just press the A/C button to turn it off and then set my fan speed and click the temp down. I've never noticed the A/C coming back on by itself.

    There may be an exception, if you select windshield defrost it may then turn on A/C.
     
    #6 wiiprii, Aug 31, 2007
  7. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Aug 31 2007, 06:03 PM) [snapback]505161[/snapback]</div>
    If you press the A/C Auto button on the steering wheel it will turn the A/C compressor back on.

    Tom
     
    #7 qbee42, Aug 31, 2007
  8. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    No, actually I press the A/C/Auto button on the wheel to turn A/C off, go to the climate screen to turn on the fan, and A/C often comes on by itself. Then I turn it off and reset the fan speed, then it turns back on. Then I press several other buttons, curse a little, and finally Pearl accepts that I don't want the darn A/C on! ;)
    It may have something to do with the temperature setting. It hasn't happened often enough for me to correlate the exact cause.

    Arguing with technology. My favorite sport. :)

    Anyway, if you are insistent, you -can- turn off the A/C!
     
    #8 David Beale, Sep 1, 2007
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Sep 1 2007, 11:44 AM) [snapback]505422[/snapback]</div>
    The A/C Auto button is a toggle: press on, press off. I have no trouble with controlling my A/C compressor. If I turn it on, it stays on. If I turn it off, it stays off. I find the climate control system easy to use, but to each his own.

    Tom
     
    #9 qbee42, Sep 1, 2007
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