Page 379 of 596

3796-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
PRIUS c_U
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri-
oritize fuel efficiency:
● Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cool-
ing capacity
● Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning perf ormance, perform the following operations:
● Adjust the fan speed
● Turn off Eco drive mode
■ Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperatur e setting and
the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after is pressed.
■ Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
Page 380 of 596

3806-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS c_U■
Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effec-
tive in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interi or. During
cooling operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle
interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch dependin g on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75 F (24 C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing 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 the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or the
power switch is turned to ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system).
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pre ssing .
■ When the outside tempera ture falls to nearly 32F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pre ssed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the out side air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle m ay enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then ca use odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to o utside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short peri od of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in aut omatic
mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
P. 447
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C auto switch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 559)
Page 381 of 596
3816-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weathe r.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and t hat of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ When the outside rear view mirror defoggers are on (if equipped )
Do not touch the outside surface of the rear view mirrors, as t hey can
become very hot and burn you.
NOTICE
■ To prevent 12-volt b attery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessa ry when the
hybrid system is off.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.
Page 382 of 596

3826-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS c_U
Turns on the front left seat
heater
Turns on the front right seat
heater
The indicator light comes on.
Push the switch once again to turn
off the seat heater.
■The seat heaters can be used when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■ When not in use
Turn the seat heater off. The indicator light goes off.
Seat heaters
: If equipped
WARNING
●Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the followi ng categories
comes in contact with the seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physical ly chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sle eping
drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Observe the following precautions to prevent the minor burns or overheat-
ing
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat
heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE
● Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the sea t and do
not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
● To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the
hybrid system is off.
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Page 397 of 596
397
7Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 398
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 401
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 407
General maintenance........ 410
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 413
7-3. D o-it-yourself
m aintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 414
Hood ................................. 417
Positioning a floor jack ...... 419
Engine compartment ......... 420
12-volt battery ................... 429
Tires .................................. 433
Tire inflation pressure ....... 442
Wheels .............................. 445
Air conditioning filter.......... 447
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ...... 449
Checking and replacing fuses ................ 452
Light bulbs......................... 456
Page 415 of 596

4157-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
Washer fluid (P. 428)
• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer
fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions:
■ When working on the engine compartment
● Vehicles without a smart key system: Make sure that the power s witch is in
the “LOCK” position and the “READY” indicator is off.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Make sure that the indicator on the
power switch and the “READY” indicator are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and eng ine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and r ags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
■ When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart key system: The electric cooling fan m ay keep
rotating for about 3 minutes even after the power switch is tur ned to the
“LOCK” position.
With the power switch in the “ON” position, the electric coolin g fan may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tem-
perature is high. Be sure the power switch is in the “LOCK” position when
working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille.
Vehicles with a smart key system: The electric cooling fan may keep rotat-
ing for about 3 minutes even after the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. Be sure the power switch is off when working near the electric cool-
ing fan or radiator grille.
ItemsCheck points
Page 447 of 596
4477-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the power switch to the
“LOCK” position.
Vehicles with a smart key syst em: Turn the power switch off.
Open the glove box. Slide off
the damper.
Push in each side of the glove
box to disconnect the upper
claws.
Pull out the glove box and dis-
connect the lower claws.
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must b e changed regularly to maintain
air conditioning efficiency.
Replacement method
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3
4
Page 448 of 596
4487-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U
Remove the filter cover.Unlock the filter cover.
Move the filter cover in the
direction of the arrow, and
then pull it out of the claws.
Remove the air conditioning fil-
ter and replace it with a new
one.
The “ UP” mark shown on the filter
should be pointing up.
■ Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to th e maintenance
schedule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, more frequent clean-
ing or early replacement may be required. (For scheduled maintenance infor-
mation, please refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “O wner's
Manual Supplement”.)
■ If air flow from the ven ts decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if nece ssary.
5
1
2
6
NOTICE
■When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause da mage to the
system.