I'm sorry to start a new thread. I know that this topic was probably covered throughout but I've searched an can't locate anything. I am a new user so I'm sure that's the problem. I have an '06 and to utilize the fan feature, I simply turn the temperature control to LO, which is as low as the temperature control can go. Is this the proper way to use the fan when you simply want external air circulating through the vehicle? Also, why would one select the Auto feature? What benefit does this serve over manually adjusting the controls to a temp at which one is comfortable?
if you just want outside air I think it's enough to "unclick" the AC-ON button on the Climate Screen. This stops the Prius from using the Compressor but it will still try to keep the temperature and everything else. When yuu do this the Prius will use the fan to keep the temperature level. In thi s mode it will only run the fan as much as needed. If you click the fan to "medium" or "lo" or what ever the fan will always run at that speed. This is normally noiser then needed and the temperature will still fluctuate. If you want to go further you can put the tempreature to LO, click on the "air to windows" button and then turn the whole thing off. This will turn the fan off (and everything else around the Climate control) but it will keep the vents fully open so that when you drive you will still get a draft onto the windows. This is the most FE way as it doesn't use the fan at all. That said running the fan and even the compressor doesn't burn that much gas. I normally either have the system completly off or in automatic mode (at 75 in summer or 67 in winter). This way I can turn it on/off from the wheel and once ON I don't need to think about how to use the fan.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ May 25 2006, 12:47 PM) [snapback]260954[/snapback]</div> Thank you, I like that third paragraph suggestion.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SSimon @ May 25 2006, 01:35 PM) [snapback]260945[/snapback]</div> It's set it and forget it convenience. I perosnally like the temperature in the car to be 70 degrees so that's where it's set. If it's too warm in the car when I start it up, the a/c will come on and cool it down. If needed, it will automatically put it into recirculating mode to cool it down faster. If it's too cold out, the heater will kick on and warm it up as quickly as it can. It also holds off blowing any air until there is actually warm air to blow. When the desired temperature is achieved, the blower automatically cuts down to low. My question is: Why would anyone NOT use the Auto feature?
When set to "auto", the climate control will adjust all of the settings except compressor to try and keep the cabin at the desired temperature. The fan speed will increase or decrease as needed. When heat is needed, the foot vents are automatically selected. When cooling, it uses the dash vents. I like to set my climate control on auto, then switch off the A/C compressor. When set like this, if I want more fan, I just tap the temp button on the steering wheel, up or down depending on whether it's heating or cooling. If it gets really hot and I need the A/C, then I turn on the A/C compressor. As you mentioned in your post, you can run everything manually from the Climate screen, it just takes more button pushing. Tom
