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Slow A/C operation

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by LDB, Oct 23, 2016.

  1. LDB

    LDB Member

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    2015 Prius
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    Three
    When I press the start button there is no output from the A/C for several seconds. Then it gradually steps up from the lowest fan speed to whatever speed the auto setting directs. It can be 10-15 seconds before full A/C operation. I'm used to all the prior "plain" cars that as soon as the engine started the A/C operated at whatever setting was selected. Is there any way to adjust the A/C in the Prius to come online more quickly?
     
    #1 LDB, Oct 23, 2016
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    There's this in the Owner's Manual, page 277:

    upload_2016-10-23_8-29-55.png

    I think basically it's saying it may take a few seconds to come on,

    I've never noticed much of a delay; 10~15 seconds, as you say. I'd say the delay is because the system is smart, there's no advantage to instant fan response.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Oct 23, 2016
    Bluegrassman likes this.
  3. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    We have the same delay in our Gen 3. If you think that's bad, don't get a Gen 4. Much longer delay. Have you tried Manual mode by setting the Fan speed manually? I haven't, but wonder if that would help.
     
    #3 FuelMiser, Oct 23, 2016
  4. LDB

    LDB Member

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    I haven't experimented with that yet but I will. The Gen 4 is growing on me as far as appearance but doesn't up the mileage enough to tempt me plus as far as I know there's no solar roof option for it either.
     
    #4 LDB, Oct 23, 2016
  5. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Remember that either when heat is "demanded" or cooling is "demanded" it takes a little while before there IS heat or cold in the associated energy transfer device (the heater core or the evaporator). The Prius has been programmed to take this into account. If the fan immediately started to blow, you would get warm (or hot) air when you wanted cool, and cool (or cold) air when you wanted heat.

    This is a feature, not a problem. ;)
     
    #5 David Beale, Oct 24, 2016
    Bluegrassman and Mendel Leisk like this.
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