I have noted that it can be a good idear to limit the use of the heater when warming up the ICE. Has anybody got any comments on using an electric 12V heater to help warm the cabin while leaving of the ICE heater. Also I have searched a lot on blocking the grill in cold weather, but is there any detailed info on exactly how to do it and at what tempreatures. Thanks
Gazz, There are quite a few threads here about different techniques for blocking the radiator. I think that most of the lads that have done it also have some way of monitoring the coolant temp. The lack of a coolant temp gauge is what has prevented me from trying it myself. There are quite a few options for doing so, but I don't know the availability of them in Ol' Blighty. Do a search for "Radiator Block" here on PC and just make sure that you search across all forums. An engine block heater would help with this as well.
Aye. Here the grill is the decorative, chrome bit right in front of the radiator. I love the nuances of American/British English.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gazz @ Apr 10 2007, 06:14 PM) [snapback]421102[/snapback]</div> The car already has 12V electric heater elements. They have been discussed several times on Prius Chat. You have to set the heat to maximum to turn them on. - Tom
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gazz @ Apr 10 2007, 05:14 PM) [snapback]421102[/snapback]</div> Look for "My first morning with a blocked grill" as that is my nomination for most definitive thread on this subject. This is where the local availability of materials, your talent, imagination, and artistic sensibilities merge to create a unique look. Start blocking in the Fall when it gets cool. Start unblocking in the Spring when the fan turns on.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gazz @ Apr 10 2007, 06:14 PM) [snapback]421102[/snapback]</div> http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4...51993&hl=en
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom_06 @ Apr 10 2007, 05:12 PM) [snapback]421190[/snapback]</div> I don't think that is correct Tom. I think the electric heaters come on when the Air Conditioning system is calling for heat but the ICE is not warm enough to provide it. I know I felt some feeble heat this winter with my AC set to Auto and 70° F (21° C) in under two minutes. An Engine Block Heater would warm the engine and coolant so the cabin could start warming from engine heat faster while achieving better fuel efficiency, but I see no reason an auxiliary 12V heater for the cabin air wouldn't work.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom_06 @ Apr 11 2007, 01:12 AM) [snapback]421190[/snapback]</div> It always amazes me how many people believe this, without stopping for a moment to consider whether it makes any sense at all. Why on earth would they go to the expense of installing electric heaters and not use them as part of the normal climate control?
