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Heater tech question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by HARRISON, Feb 22, 2004.

  1. HARRISON

    HARRISON New Member

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    Feb 21, 2004
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    How does the heater in the 2004 Prius work?

    (1) Is it electric ?

    (2) If works off the coolant of the gasoline engine like other cars, does the gasoline engine have to run every time the heater is turned on? (If so, the engine would never turn off when driving in cold weather; because the cabin is always needing to be warmed.)

    Just curious.... Does anyone know?
     
    #1 HARRISON, Feb 22, 2004
  2. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    Jan 11, 2004
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    2 small electric heaters and the main ICE coolant heater. As the motor runs often enough to have sufficent hot coolant to provide the heater no problem. The thermous bottle helps in getting the ICE to operating temp quickly so that is also a help. It has a ICE temp controlled valve to prevent cooant that's supposed to heat the head on the ICE to reduce the pollution that a cold start produces from flowing to the heater.
     
    #2 Frank Hudon, Feb 22, 2004
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