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How to turn on A/c without pressing the break?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by osa, Mar 19, 2011.

  1. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    key=keyfob
     
  2. FirstFlight

    FirstFlight Member

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    It's the same as if you were doing a remote starter on a Volkswagen or Ford. That is unless you get a bypass module but I've done plenty where I've hidden the key underneath the steering wheel.
     
  3. Metalman

    Metalman Member

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    I can't believe that some members of the human race are so sensitive that they can't get into a hot or a cold vehicle, start the engine, and drive away without having the inside at a "comfortable" temperature. Is there something wrong with sweating or shivering a bit? Obviously you people are not motorcycle riders.
     
  4. cit1991

    cit1991 New Member

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    1. Find a good custom audio installer or other person who knows how to do custom wiring.
    2. Have him install a button (momentary contact) near the power switch that taps into the brakelight switch...that flashes the brake lights.
    3. Then you can reach in and press both (while holding a kid) to put it in ready.
     
  5. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Or sailors. We specialize in sitting outside in the rain.

    Tom
     
  6. mainerinexile

    mainerinexile No longer in exile!

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    Or they can't bother to get in the car long enough to step on the brake (or break).
     
  7. tpfun

    tpfun New Member

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    I can't believe some need to winter in a subtropical climate and summer elsewhere when the simple and environmentally better alternative is to stay put in one place.

    Brakes are usually meant for stopping a vehicle or preventing it from moving.
     
  8. FirstFlight

    FirstFlight Member

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    I can't believe this thread has morphed into the "human race" area......
     
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    ...on to politics.

    Tom
     
  10. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Or cyclists. :)
     
  11. tpfun

    tpfun New Member

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    OK back OT, unfortunately the OP's probably gone for good ...

    In other vehicles, the brake pedal is used to stop or prevent the vehicle from moving (e.g. park interlock safety mechanism).

    Is that still true for the Prius ? If so, then turning on the A/C in the Prius can cause the car to move unexpectedly.
     
  12. FirstFlight

    FirstFlight Member

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    If you put it in park and press the parking brake, I don't think this is possible.
     
  13. macman408

    macman408 Electron Guidance Counselor

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    In other vehicles, the brake pedal is used to cancel cruise control. Therefore, turning on the A/C in the Prius can cause the car to cancel cruise control.

    Your strong point, logic is not.
    :rolleyes:
    :crazy:
     
  14. tpfun

    tpfun New Member

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    Point taken. However, the resulting effect rather than the cause is what we can discuss because the latter is only known to Toyota.

    The question remains whether the act of turning on the A/C in the Prius can result in the car moving by itself.
     
  15. markderail

    markderail I do 45 mins @ 3200 PSI

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    OSA -> the two "different" types of remotes are

    1) What comes with a Prius G3 + Tech Grp - all it does it turn on the fans to cool the interior with outside air. AC doesn't ever activate. The car is never *on*. This is passive cooling, that barely affects your MPG. With the solar sunroof (full blown Prius) you don't even have to remote start it, except when you want to car warmed up / front window defrosted.

    2) What I did - installed by Toyota, aftermarket. Requires an additional FOB (400$) plus the system installation (400$). Might / should be cheaper in the US.
    With this option, it will do EXACTLY what you want, and turns the car OFF after 10 minutes.

    You just have to remember to set the car properly before leaving it - with AC on, right Temp, etc. I actually leave mine w/o AUTO set, with the fan at about 75%.

    My MPG takes a hit, but having consistent 45 MPG is good enough for me.

    * Remember that when entering the car, on the driver's side, with aftermarket starter, the car will turn off. That's so someone doesn't steal your car, as there IS a FOB inside. Just start the car normally and enjoy.
     
  16. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    You can buy a system that does not require you to leave the keyFOB in the car. This solution is $249 at Best Buy.

    Viper - Viper 5101 1-Way SuperCode Remote Start System

    They will charge you another $40 for bridge module. The total will be under $300 and you will not have to leave the keyFOB in the car.
     
  17. macman408

    macman408 Electron Guidance Counselor

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    No, it does not. The question no longer remains.

    (The parking pawl is still engaged and the car is still in Park, so the car can't move, other than within the usual slack that every automatic transmission has when the pawl is engaged. So why use the brake? The brake is used as a second input when pressing the power button. Without the brake, the power button cycles through Off->Accessory->On, where On might also be called "ignition on", and would be like turning the key to On in any other car without turning it to Start. With the brake, the car goes from Off->Ready. The reason why they use the brake for this is that the first thing almost everybody will do after turning the car on (to Ready) is shift out of Park - and this requires the brake to be held, just like any other car. So it's not really an extra step to hold down the brake to go to Ready, you just have to hold the brake earlier. If you still don't get it, maybe you should go rent a Prius for a week or two and see for yourself - and then you can come back here with some new insights.)
     
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  18. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    The motor that drives the A/C compressor is different than the two motors that turn the wheels. There is no mechanical connection between the drive train and the A/C unit.
     
  19. Teakwood

    Teakwood Member

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    Dumb-be-dumb-dumb
     
  20. Blizzard10

    Blizzard10 New Member

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    Moves by itself... good one!