I want the heat to come on automatically when I turn on the fan using the climate screen, or the auto button. Instead, the AC always comes on and I have to adjust several touchscreen icons to compensate for heat, defrost, etc. It's chilly out and I don't want AC! How can I set default for heat?
Press auto, then kill a/c and set your vent preference to defrost vent. Set your temperature (66-68, you have a coat on), and forget about it. You can then set front/rear max defrost from your steering wheel as required.
I believe that AC in the Prius means climate control not air conditioning as we know it. Set the temperature where you want it and hit the auto button. Your car will heat up to the temperature in the winter and will cool down in the summer. I was also initially thrown by not having a "heat control". If you want the defrost on the front or rear window hit the buttons on your steering wheel.
Yep - A/C is not really A/C. Turn your Auto A/C on and you can maintain a constant temperature like a thermostat.
Yes, the AC icon is confusing. Just set it and forget it. Here is what the maker has to say on the heat subject: "By using a 50/50 ratio of fresh and recirculated air we were able to reduce the ventilation load 50%. At the same time, we were able to achieve the same cabin temperatures possible with conventional systems. Warm cabin air has a high moisture content. So, simply recirculating the cabin air would fog up the windows. The new system sends recirculated air out at foot level. Drier fresh air flows near the windows, which prevents moisture from condensing on the glass. " If you would like to learn more check out their site. http://www.denso.co.jp/AR-e/1998/TW/climate.html
Set your temperature and forget it. A/C here means "Air Conditioning" in the sense of previous mentioned Climate Control. It it's fully automated to do heat or cold, or mixed, depending on temperature and conditions.
