2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Temperature

334 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■When is selected for the air outlets used
For your driving comfort, air flowing to the feet may be warmer than air flow-
ing to the upper body depending on the temperature setting.
■ 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 .
● Condensation may appear on the windows if this mode is used in abnor-
mally high levels of humidity.
● Pollen will be collected by the filter even when micro dust and pollen filter
mode is OFF.
■ Maintenance of the air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be cleaned or changed regularly to maintain
air conditioning efficiency according to the maintenance schedule. In dusty
areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement may be required.
(For scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Owner’s Manual Sup-
plement/ Scheduled Maintenance Guide”.)
When inspecting, cleaning and replacing the air conditioning filter, contact
your Toyota dealer.

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3
Interior features
■If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to
prioritize fuel efficiency:
● Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/
cooling capacity
● Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
● Adjust the fan speed
● Turn off Eco drive mode ( P. 204)
● Customize the air conditioning control of Eco drive mode. ( P. 590)
■ When outside air temperature is below 32 °F (0 °C)
The cooling and dehumidification function may not operate even when
is pressed.
■ 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.
• 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.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. enable/disable automatic operation of the air conditioning
compressor when the “AUTO” switch ON) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 590)

336 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
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.
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.

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Interior features
Using the steering wheel climate remote control switches
Adjusting the temperature settingPress “ ” on to increase the temperature and “ ” to decrease
the temperature.
Changing the outside air or recirculated air modes
Press .
The mode switches between outside air mode and recirculated air mode
each time the switch is pressed.
Some air conditioning features can be controlled using the switches
on the steering wheel.
Temperature control
Outside air or recirculated
air mode

340 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■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.
■ Before using the Solar Ventilation System
Remove dirt or fallen leaves from the solar panel in order to ensure sufficient
electrical output.
■ 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. 342)
■ 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.
● If the Solar Ventilation System is not needed, be sure to turn the ventila-
tion switch off.
Dirty air and exhaust fumes from other vehicles may be drawn from out-
side. Also, use in winter may cause heated interior air to leave the vehi-
cle, thus leading to a drop in temperature.
■ Sounds 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.
■ Precautions for moon roof with Solar Panel
P. 129

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Remote Air Conditioning System
■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 “HI”.
: If equipped
The Remote Air Conditioning Syst em uses electrical energy stored
in the hybrid battery (traction batt ery) and allows the air conditioning
to be operated by remote control.
■ Before leaving the vehicle
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.
■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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■Using the Remote Air Conditioning System effectively
Efficiency can be increased by using the system in conjunction with the
Solar Ventilation System. ( P. 339)
■ 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.
■ 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. 42)
■ Conditions affecting operation
The system may not start in the following situations:
●The charge level of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is low ( P. 42)
● The air conditioning temperature is set at a high level or outside tempera-
ture is low
● When the vehicle has been left parked for a number of days
● When the hybrid system is cool (for example, after being left for a long
time in low temperatures)