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climate control problems

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by kmshelly, May 23, 2007.

  1. kmshelly

    kmshelly New Member

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    I’m new to the forum so I apologize if this question is based mostly on ignorance or has been addressed before (although my search of forums failed to find a recent discussion on point).

    A few months ago, we noticed a change in how the climate control system of our 05 Prius is working. If we start the car after it had recently been driven (within the last hour, give or take), the car will start-up with the climate control still set at the temp, etc. that it was set at when we turned it off. However, if it has been sitting off for longer than that, then it nearly always re-sets itself to A/C on, auto off, 75 degrees. This means that nearly every time we start the car, we have to immediately change the climate control system back to our liking. This is a pain and has decreased our enjoyment of what we otherwise consider a great car.

    We took it to the local dealership. They noticed the problem, tinkered with their computer, thought they solved the problem, but it was back immediately after we got the car back.

    Is the car suppose to do this (we’re nearly sure it didn’t the first 2 years+ we had it)? If not, any insight into what the problem might be?

    KSS
     
    #1 kmshelly, May 23, 2007
  2. keithnteri

    keithnteri New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KSS85 @ May 23 2007, 06:25 AM) [snapback]448139[/snapback]</div>
    No, the climate control is not supposed to reset. I would take it to another dealer and have them look at it. I might also have the small battery checked since it seems like you are losing power to what ever circuit that is supposed to hold the set temp information.
     
    #2 keithnteri, May 23, 2007
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    I also suspect the 12V battery. If it is, other weird things will start happening, so get it checked out soon.

    Tom
     
    #3 qbee42, May 23, 2007
  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Any issues with losing the presets on the radio? I, too, suspect the 12v, or a short to the climate control system.
     
    #4 efusco, May 23, 2007
  5. kmshelly

    kmshelly New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ May 23 2007, 01:23 PM) [snapback]448280[/snapback]</div>
    No, we've had no other problems so far.
    I did take it back to the same dealer this morning (although maybe I should go the extra 30 minutes to the next dealer), and they told me they now strongly suspect the "a/c amplifier" needs to be replaced. I confess I have no idea what that is. They told me it would cost about $600 to replace and [here's the kicker] they couldn't completely guarantee that would solve the problem, although they think it will.
    Any advice on whether this "a/c amplifier" sounds like the likely culprit?
     
    #5 kmshelly, May 23, 2007
  6. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KSS85 @ May 23 2007, 02:58 PM) [snapback]448430[/snapback]</div>
    I've never heard of an A/C amplifier so I searched for a link: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa38...206/ai_n9092114 which I browsed. My take is that the ac amplifier regulates or matches engine speed and ac compressor speed. A malfunction would make the ac "button" on the MFD flash. In my non-expert opinion (I never claimed to be a mechanic but I did stay at a Holiday Inn. :p ) I don't think this is your problem. I vote for the 12 volt battery. When it starts to get weak it makes the car look like it is infested with Evil Spirits.

    I'd like to reply to your mechanic, "I'm not paying you to THINK. If you don't KNOW what's wrong maybe I should find someone who does." :angry: (Please excuse pet peeve.)
     
    #6 JimN, May 23, 2007
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