2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

329
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
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.

330 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
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.

331
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
Adjusting the position of and opening and closing the air outlets
■ Adjusting 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.

332 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Opening and closing the air outlets
Center outlets Open the vent.
Close the vent.
Move the knob in the direction of
the printed arrow until a click is
heard.
Right and left side outletsOpen the vent.
Close the vent.
Move the knob in the direction of
the printed arrow until a click is
heard.

333
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
■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.
■ 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.
Also, outside air mode may be automatically switched to when the outside
temperature is low.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75
F (24C) and the air condi-
tioning system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condi-
tioning system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This
may also reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the “POWER”
switch is turned to ON mode.
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing
.
■ Using the system in recirculated air mode
The windows will fog up more easily if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Window defogger feature
●Recirculated air mode may automatically switch to outside air mode in
situations where the windows need to be defogged.
● When the outside air temperature is low, it may take a while for the con-
densation to clear from the windshield.

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.

335
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
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.