2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

337
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
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

338 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■When operating the steering switches (vehicles with touch tracer dis-
play)
●The steering switches operation status is displayed on the instrument
cluster for confirmation purposes. ( P. 215)
CAUTION
■To reduce the risk of an accident
Exercise care when operating the air conditioning switches on the steering
wheel.
●Settings are shown on the multi-infor-
mation display when the steering switch
is operated.

339
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
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 upper body 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.
STEP 1
STEP 2

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.

341
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
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Interior features
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

342
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
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.

343
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
■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)

344 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Security feature
Any unlocked doors will be automatically locked when the system is operat-
ing. The buzzer will beep and the emergency flashers flash when the doors
have been locked or the system has been turned off.
(The doors locked: Once; The system turned off: Twice)
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 7 2
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 7 6
■ When the electronic key battery is fully depleted
P. 7 6
■ Customization
Setting (e.g. Operation using the on the wireless remote control) can
be changed.
(Customizable features P. 596)