Lately (probably 50% of the time) when I get into my 2012 Prius I notice that the vents are blowing air - as though the A/C or heat is running - but the air is the same temperature as it is outside. This is before I try to turn the car on or press the pedals. We have been making sure to turn the fan off before we turn off the car but that doesn’t seem to make a difference. Has anyone experienced this before?
Do you have a moonroof? If so, it’s probably the solar panel ventilation system that is running. The solar panel is located on the back half of the roof of your car.
The control switch for the Solar Ventilation System (part of the moonroof package) is to the left of the steering wheel. See page 339 of your 2012 Owner's Manual. I always leave it turned on. Turning it off will make the car interior hotter when you return.
