2010 TOYOTA PRIUS air conditioning

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Interior features
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic
mode.
CAUTION
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking
your vision.
■ Plasmacluster™
Do not disassemble or repair the system because it contains high voltage
parts. Call your Toyota dealer if the system needs repair.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is not operating.
■ To prevent damage to the Plasmacluster™
Do not insert anything into the driver’s side vent, attach anything to it, or use
sprays around the driver’s side vent. These things may cause the system no
to work properly.

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Using the steering wheel climate remote control switches
Adjusting the temperature settingPress “ ” on to increase the temperature and “ ” to
decrease the temperature.
Some air conditioning features can be controlled using the switches
on the steering wheel.
Outside air or recirculated
air mode
Temperature control
ITO31P126

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PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Changing the recirculated air mode
Press . 
The mode switches between outside air mode and recirculated air
mode each time the switch is pressed.
■ When operating the steering switches
On vehicles with touch tracer display, the steering switches operation status
is displayed on the instrument cluster for confirmation purposes. ( P. 182)
CAUTION
■To reduce the risk of an accident
Exercise care when operating the air conditioning switches on the steering
wheel.

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PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Solar Ventilation System
: If equipped
The Solar Ventilation System uses energy provided by solar panel
built into the roof to operate a fa n contained within the air condition-
ing system, allowing ventilation of the vehicle interior when the vehi-
cle is parked in direct sunlight.
■ Activating the Solar Ventilation System
With the “POWER” switch in
ON mode, turn on the ventila-
tion switch.
Off
On
Turn the “POWER” switch OFF.
After approximately 1 minute, outside air mode will be selected
and the air vents will be put into FACE mode.
After approximately 10 minutes, the ventilation operation will
commence.
The ventilation operation will be canceled if the “POWER”
switch is turned to ON mode or the ventilation switch is turned
off.
STEP1
STEP2

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PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Efficient use of the So lar Ventilation System
Efficient control of temperature increase can be achieved by using the sys-
tem in conjunction with the Remote Air Conditioning System. ( P. 285)
■ Operating conditions
The Solar Ventilation System may not operate under the following circum-
stances due to a lack of power from the solar panel:
● Low amount of sunlight
● Ever when a part of the solar panel is cast by a shadow.
● Ever when a part of the solar panel is covered by fallen leaves or dirt.
● The solar panel is not at a high temperature.
■ When using the Sola r Ventilation System
● Make sure that the “POWER” switch is in ON mode when turning the
ventilation switch on. If the ventilation switch is turned on while the
“POWER” switch is OFF, the air mode and the status of the air vents will
remain unchanged.
● Remove dirt or fallen leaves from the solar panel in order to ensure suffi-
cient electrical output.
● If the Solar Ventilation System is not needed, be sure to turn the ventila-
tion switch off, otherwise the following problems may occur:
• Dirty air and exhaust fumes from ot her vehicles may be drawn from
outside.
• Use in winter may cause heated interior air to leave the vehicle, thus leading to a drop in temperature.
■ Noises when using the Solar Ventilation System
If the amount of sunlight is insufficient, you may hear a sound coming from
the air conditioning system. This is the sound of a control function to pre-
serve the fan and does not indicate a malfunction.

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CAUTION
■Solar Ventilation System precautions
● Do not use the system if people are inside the vehicle. 
The Solar Ventilation System is not intended to ensure the performance of
the air conditioning system. Do not leave children or pets in the vehicle.
The temperature of the interior will remain high, possibly resulting in heat-
stroke, dehydration, or even death.
● This system should be used only for the relief of discomfort when entering
the vehicle, and should not be used for other purposes.
● Be careful not to touch the solar panel surface in scorching sun weather
conditions as it will rise very high in temperature and may cause burns.

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Remote Air Conditioning System
■Using the Remote Air Conditioning System effectively
Efficiency can be increased by using the system in conjunction with the
Solar Ventilation System. ( P. 282)
: If equipped
The Remote Air Conditioning System uses electrical energy stored
in the hybrid battery (traction batt ery) and allows the air conditioning
to be operated by remote control.
■ Activating the Remote Air Conditioning System
Press and hold the to
operate the Remote Air Condi-
tioning System.
• The system will shut off if a door is opened.
• The system can be stopped
by pressing the
twice.

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■Operating conditions
The system will only operate if all of the following conditions are met:
● The shift position is in “P”.
● The “POWER” switch is OFF.
● All doors are closed.
● The hood is closed.
● The brake pedal is not being depressed.
● The air conditioning is not set to MAX HOT.
■ When leaving the vehicle
● Check that the headlights are switched to either off or “AUTO”.
● Check that the wiper switch is turned off.
● Check that all windows are closed.
● Check the temperature setting of the air conditioning system. 
The Remote Air Conditioning System will operate in accordance with the
temperature settings of the air conditioning system.
■ Remote Air Conditioning System automatic shut-off
The system will automatically shut off under the following conditions:
● About 3 minutes have passed since operation began
● Any one of the operating conditions is not met
The system may also shut off if the charge level of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) drops to low. ( P. 188)
■ Conditions affecting operation
The system may not start in the following situations:
● The charge level of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is low (P. 188)
● The air conditioning temperature is set at a high level