2010 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

273
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A. Mainly air flows to the feet.
Air flows to the feet and the
windshield defogger operates.
■ Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
Press .
The modes switches between (recycles air inside the vehicle)
and (introduces air from outside the vehicle) modes each time
the button is pressed.
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274 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Defogging the windshield
Press .
The air conditioning system con-
trol operates automatically.
Recirculated air mode will auto-
matically switch to outside air
mode.
Micro dust and pollen filter
Press .
Outside air mode switches to recirculated air mode. Pollen is removed
from the air and the air flows to the upper part of the body.
Usually the system will turn off automatically approximately 3 minutes
later.
To stop the operation, press again.
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Interior features
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Adjusting the position of the air outlets
Center outlets Direct air flow to the left or right,
up or down.
Right and left side outlets Direct air flow to the left or right,
up or down.
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Opening and closing the air outlets
Center outlets Open the vent.
Close the vent.
Right and left side outlets Open the vent.
Close the vent.
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Interior features
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Using the automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically in accordance with the temperature set-
ting and ambient conditions. As a result, the following may occur.
● Immediately after
is pressed, the fan may stop for a while until
warm or cool air is ready to flow.
● Cool air may flow to the area around the upper body when the heater is
on.
● does not operate even if it pushes .
■ Using the system in recirculated air mode
The windows will fog up more easily if the recirculated air mode is used for
an extended period.
■ Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
Recirculated air mode or outside air mode may be automatically switched to
in accordance with under these condition, such as temperature setting and
inside temperature.
■ Window defogger feature
Recirculated air mode may automatically switch to outside air mode in situa-
tions where the windows need to be defogged.
■ When outside temperature approaches 32 °F (0 °C)
The air conditioning system may not operate even when
is pressed.

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PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Micro dust and pollen filter
● In order to prevent the windows from fogging up when the outside air is
cold, the following may occur.
• Outside air mode does not switch to recirculated air mode.
• The air conditioning system operates automatically.
• The operation cancels after 1 minute.
● In rainy weather, the windows may fog up. Press .
■ When Eco Driving mode is on
● If the outside temperature exceeds a preset temperature, the system will
switch to recirculated air mode.
● The effectiveness of the air conditioning will be lower than normal.
● The fan speed level drops below the normal rate.
■ Plasmacluster™
* (if equipped)
Plasmacluster will operate in conjunction with the air conditioning fan motor
when it is turned on.
This air conditioning system adopts plasmacluster technology, which helps
to keep good air quality in the cabin by emitting positive and negative ions
through the driver’s side vent. 
A slight noise may be heard during operation. This is not a malfunction. Also,
static electricity may be discharged near the driver’s side vent due to the
high voltage used to operate the system.
To clean the driver’s side vent, turn the system off and wipe the vent using a
soft cloth.
*: Plasmacluster technology is manufactured under license from the SHARP
Corporation. 
“Plasmacluster™” is a trademark of the SHARP Corporation.
■ Air conditioning odors
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter
into and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause
odor to be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.

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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
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