Toyota Prius Prime (2020 year). Owner's manual - part 32

504

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

■

Defogging the windshield
Defoggers  are  used  to  defog  the  windshield  and  front  side  win-
dows.

Press 

.

Set 

 to outside air mode if the recirculated air mode is used. (It

may switch automatically.)
To defog the windshield and the side windows early, turn the air flow and
temperature up.

The 

 indicator illuminates when the defoggers are on.

To  return  to  the  previous  mode,  press 

  again  when  the  wind-

shield is defogged. Also, turning the power switch off during operation
can return to the previous mode.

■

Defogging the rear window and outside rear view mirrors
Defoggers are used to defog the rear window and to remove rain-
drops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mirrors.

Press 

.

Defoggers switch between on and off each time 

 is pressed.

The 

 indicator illuminates when defoggers are on.

The defoggers will automatically turn off after a period of time.

■

Eco score (A/C score)
P. 227

505

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

6

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ures

■

Location of air outlets
The  air  outlets  and  air  volume
change 

according 

to 

the

selected airflow mode.

■

Adjusting the air flow direction
Direct air flow to the left or right,
up or down.

■

Opening and closing the air outlets

Air outlets



Left side outlet/right side outlet



Center outlets

Open the vent 
Close the vent 

Open the vent 
Close the vent 

1
2

1
2

506

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

■

Heating

●

In HV mode, the gasoline engine may operate in order to extract heat from
the engine coolant via the heater.

●

In EV mode, heating is done by a heat pump system.
• When the outside temperature is low or it is snowing, compared to con-

ventional vehicles, heating may be less effective and warm air may not
come out.

• If  frost  has  formed  on  the  outside  heat  exchanger,  the  heating  perfor-

mance  will  decline.  The  frost  can  be  removed  from  the  outside  heat
exchanger by operating the Remote Air Conditioning System before driv-
ing (

P. 522). When frosted over, the heating operation of the Remote

Air Conditioning System starts after defrosting.

• When 

 is turned on, the heating is controlled optimally. Therefore,

the set heating performance may not be achieved even if the fan speed
setting is increased.

●

In  the  following  situations  the  gasoline  engine  may  operate  in  order  to
extract heat from the engine coolant via the heater even in EV mode.
• The outside temperature is approximately 14°F (-10°C) or low

•

 is operating

■

Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature 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.

■

Water droplets during air conditioning operation

• When  the  outside  heat  exchanger  is

frosted over, fan speed declines and it
may become harder to heat the inte-
rior. However, it is not a malfunction. 
In  this  situation,  the  air  temperature
from the outlets may not change even
though the set temperature is raised.

The outside heat exchanger, accumulator
and air conditioning piping may incur con-
densation  or  frost  may  form.  During  or
after the air conditioning operation, water
droplets  may  fall  from  the  vehicle.  How-
ever, it is not a malfunction.

Outside heat exchanger

Outside heat exchanger

Accumulator

507

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

6

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■

Setting confirmation screen

■

S-FLOW mode operation

■

Changing from manual S-FLOW mode to automatic S-FLOW mode

Press 

 to disable S-FLOW mode.

The 

 indicator will go off.

Turn the power switch off.
After 60 minutes have elapsed, change the power switch to ON mode.

■

Changing settings using the multi-information display

The air conditioning system settings can be changed on the 

 screen of

the multi-information display. (

P. 239)

■

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

windshield effectively.

●

If you turn 

 off, the windows may fog up more easily.

●

The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.

■

Windshield fog detection function
When automatic mode is set, the humidity sensor (

P. 510) detects fog on

the windshield and controls the air conditioning system to prevent fog.

When  changing  the  settings  of  the  air
conditioning system, the setting confirma-
tion screen is shown as a pop-up on the
multi-information display.
Press 

 of the meter control switches to

go back to the previous screen.

When 

  is  pressed,  the  S-FLOW

mode  status  is  displayed  on  the  multi-
information display.

1

2

3

508

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

■

When driving on dusty roads
Close all windows. If dust thrown up by the vehicle is still drawn into the vehi-
cle after closing the windows, it is recommended that the air intake mode be
set to outside air mode and the fan speed to any setting except off.

■

Outside/recirculated air mode

●

Setting to the recirculated air mode temporarily is recommended in prevent-
ing dirty air from entering the vehicle interior and helping to cool the vehicle
when the outside air temperature is high.

●

Outside/recirculated  air  mode  may  automatically  switch  depending  on  the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.

■

Fresh air intake system while parking
When  parking,  the  system  automatically  switches  to  outside  air  mode  to
encourage  better  air  circulation  throughout  the  vehicle,  helping  to  reduce
odors that occur when starting the vehicle.

■

Operation  of  the  air  conditioning  system  in  the  air  conditioning  eco
mode

●

In the air conditioning eco mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as
follows to prioritize fuel efficiency:
• Engine  speed  and  compressor  operation  controlled  to  restrict  heating/

cooling capacity

• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected

●

To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
• Adjust the fan speed
• Adjust the temperature setting
• Turn off the air conditioning eco mode

●

When the driving mode is set to Eco driving mode, the air conditioning eco
mode will be turned on automatically. Even in this case, the air conditioning

eco mode can be turned off by pressing 

. (

P. 419)

■

When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32

F (0C)

The dehumidification function may not operate even when 

 is pressed.

509

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

6

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rior 

fe

at

ures

■

Ventilation and air conditioning odors

●

To let the fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.

●

During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.

●

In  order  to  suppress  odors  that  occur  when  the  air  conditioning  system
starts, fresh air is automatically taken in when parked.

●

To reduce potential odors from occurring, the start timing of the blower may
be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning
system is started in automatic mode.

■

Air conditioning filter
P. 628

■

Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C auto switching operation) can be changed. (Customizable
features: 

P. 741)

WARNING

■

To prevent the windshield from fogging up

●

Do not use

 

 during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.

The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.

■

To prevent burns
Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mirror
defoggers are on.

●

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.

510

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

NOTICE

■

Humidity sensor

●

Do not spray the glass cleaner on the sensor or subject it to strong impacts

●

Do not stick anything on the sensor

■

To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is off.

■

Air outlets
The air outlets become hot when used for heating. Therefore, use caution
and adjust the air outlets accordingly.

In order to detect fog on the windshield, a
sensor  which  monitors  the  temperature
of the windshield, the surround humidity,
etc. is installed. (

P. 507)

Follow  these  points  to  avoid  damaging
the sensor:

●

Do not disassemble the sensor

511

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

6

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ures

Automatic air conditioning system (vehi-

cles with 11.6-inch display)

The  following  informations  are  displayed  on  the  navigation  system
screen.

Temperature setting
Fan speed setting
Automatic mode setting
Airflow mode setting
S-FLOW mode setting
Air  conditioning  eco  mode
setting

A/C setting
Outside/recirculated air mode setting

Air outlets and fan speed are automatically adjusted according
to the temperature setting.

Air conditioner information area

1
2
3
4
5
6

7
8

512

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

The  air  conditioning  control
screen can be displayed by touch-
ing the air conditioner information
area  on  the  navigation  system
screen.

■

Adjusting the temperature setting

Press “

” on 

 to increase the temperature and “

” to decrease

the temperature.

If  the 

  indicator  is  turned  off,  the  system  will  blow  ambient

temperature air or heated air.

■

Adjusting the fan speed setting

Select 

 on the air conditioning control screen to increase the

fan speed and 

 to decrease the fan speed.

The fan speed is shown on the control screen. (7 levels)

Select 

 to turn the fan off.

■

Change the airflow mode
To change the air outlets, select any switch on the air conditioning
control screen.

Air flows to the upper body
Air  flows  to  the  upper  body
and feet
Air flows to the feet
Air  flows  to  the  feet  and  the
windshield  defogger  oper-
ates

Air conditioning control screen

Air conditioning controls

1
2

3
4

513

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

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■

S-FLOW mode
In S-FLOW mode, priority for the airflow is given to the front seats,
reducing the airflow and air conditioning effect on the rear seats.
When  a  passenger  is  not  detected  in  the  front  passenger  seat,
depending on the set temperature and ambient temperature, prior-
ity for the airflow will be given to the driver’s seat only.

However, air will always be blown from the side outlet of the front pas-
senger seat.

The following S-FLOW modes are available:



Automatic S-FLOW mode
The system determines whether or not a rear passenger is in the
vehicle by the opening and closing of a rear door. When a rear
passenger is determined to be in the vehicle, S-FLOW mode will
be automatically disabled.
To enable S-FLOW mode again, press 

 and enter manual

S-FLOW mode. (

P. 518)

The 

 indicator will illuminate when S-FLOW mode is enabled.



Manual S-FLOW mode
When 

 is pressed, S-FLOW mode will be manually enabled/

disabled. (

P. 518)

The 

 indicator will illuminate when S-FLOW mode is enabled.

When the power switch is turned to ON mode, the system is oper-
ated in automatic S-FLOW mode.

■

Other functions
● Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes 

(

P. 514)

● Defogging the windshield (P. 514)
● Defogging the rear window and outside rear view mirrors 

(

P. 515)

Select 

 on the air conditioning control screen.

Adjust the temperature setting. (

P. 512)

To stop the operation, select 

.

Using automatic mode

1

2

3

514

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

■

Automatic mode indicator
If  the  fan  speed  setting  or  air  flow  modes  are  operated,  the

 indicator goes off. However, automatic mode for func-

tions other than that operated is maintained.

■

Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes

Select 

 on the air conditioning control screen.

The mode switches between outside air mode and recirculated air mode
each time 

 is selected. 

The 

  indicator  illuminates  when  recirculated  air  mode  is

selected.

■

Air conditioning eco mode
The air conditioning system is controlled with low fuel consumption
prioritized such as reducing fan speed, etc.

Select 

 on the air conditioning control screen.

The air conditioning eco mode switches between on and off each time

 is selected. 

The 

  indicator  illuminates  when  the  air  conditioning  eco  mode  is

on.

■

Defogging the windshield
Defoggers  are  used  to  defog  the  windshield  and  front  side  win-
dows.
Press 

.

Set 

 to outside air mode if the recirculated air mode is used.

(It may switch automatically.)
To defog the windshield and the side windows early, turn the air flow and
temperature up.
The switch indicator illuminates when the defoggers are on.

To return to the previous mode, press 

 again when the windshield is

defogged. Also, turning the power switch off during operation can return
to the previous mode.

Other functions

515

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

6

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ures

■

Defogging the rear window and outside rear view mirrors
Defoggers are used to defog the rear window and to remove rain-
drops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mirrors.
Press 

.

Defoggers switch between on and off each time 

 is pressed. 

The switch indicator illuminates when defoggers are on.
The defoggers will automatically turn off after a period of time.

■

Eco score (A/C score)
P. 227

■

Location of air outlets
The  air  outlets  and  air  volume
change 

according 

to 

the

selected airflow mode.

Air outlets

516

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

■

Adjusting the air flow direction
Direct air flow to the left or right,
up or down.

■

Opening and closing the air outlets



Left side outlet/right side outlet



Center outlets

Open the vent
Close the vent

Open the vent
Close the vent

1
2

1
2

517

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

6

In

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rior 

fe

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ures

■

Heating

●

In HV mode, the gasoline engine may operate in order to extract heat from
the engine coolant via the heater.

●

In EV mode, heating is done by a heat pump system.
• When the outside temperature is low or it is snowing, compared to con-

ventional vehicles, heating may be less effective and warm air may not
come out.

• If  frost  has  formed  of  the  outside  heat  exchanger,  the  heating  perfor-

mance  will  decline.  The  frost  can  be  removed  from  the  outside  heat
exchanger by operating the Remote Air Conditioning System before driv-
ing (

P. 522). When frosted over, the heating operation of the Remote

Air Conditioning System starts after defrosting.

• When 

 is turned on, the heating is controlled optimally. There-

fore,  the  set  heating  performance  may  not  be  achieved  even  if  the  fan
speed setting is increased.

●

In  the  following  situations  the  gasoline  engine  may  operate  in  order  to
extract heat from the engine coolant via the heater even in EV mode.
• The outside temperature is approximately 14°F (-10°C) or low

•

 is operating

■

Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature 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.

■

Water droplets during air conditioning operation

• When  the  outside  heat  exchanger  is

frosted over, fan speed declines and it
may become harder to heat the inte-
rior. However, it is not a malfunction. 
In  this  situation,  the  air  temperature
from the outlets may not change even
though the set temperature is raised.

The outside heat exchanger, accumulator
and air conditioning piping may incur con-
densation  or  frost  may  form.  During  or
after the air conditioning operation, water
droplets  may  fall  from  the  vehicle.  How-
ever, it is not a malfunction.

Outside heat exchanger

Outside heat exchanger

Accumulator

518

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

■

Setting confirmation screen

■

S-FLOW mode operation

■

Changing from manual S-FLOW mode to automatic S-FLOW mode

Press 

 to disable S-FLOW mode.

The 

 indicator will go off.

Turn the power switch off.
After 60 minutes have elapsed, change the power switch to ON mode.

■

Changing settings using the multi-information display

The air conditioning system settings can be changed on the 

 screen of

the multi-information display. (

P. 239)

■

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

windshield effectively.

●

If you turn 

 off, the windows may fog up more easily.

●

The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.

■

Windshield fog detection function
When automatic mode is set, the humidity sensor (

P. 521) detects fog on

the windshield and controls the air conditioning system to prevent fog.

When  changing  the  settings  of  the  air
conditioning system, the setting confirma-
tion screen is shown as a pop-up on the
multi-information display.
Press 

 of the meter control switches to

go back to the previous screen.

When 

  is  selected,  the  S-FLOW

mode  status  is  displayed  on  the  multi-
information display.

1

2

3

519

6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

6

In

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rior 

fe

at

ures

■

When driving on dusty roads
Close all windows. If dust thrown up by the vehicle is still drawn into the vehi-
cle after closing the windows, it is recommended that the air intake mode be
set to outside air mode and the fan speed to any setting except off.

■

Outside/recirculated air mode

●

Setting to the recirculated air mode temporarily is recommended in prevent-
ing dirty air from entering the vehicle interior and helping to cool the vehicle
when the outside air temperature is high.

●

Outside/recirculated  air  mode  may  automatically  switch  depending  on  the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.

■

Fresh air intake system while parking
When  parking,  the  system  automatically  switches  to  outside  air  mode  to
encourage  better  air  circulation  throughout  the  vehicle,  helping  to  reduce
odors that occur when starting the vehicle.

■

Operation  of  the  air  conditioning  system  in  the  air  conditioning  eco
mode

●

In the air conditioning eco mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as
follows to prioritize fuel efficiency:
• Engine  speed  and  compressor  operation  controlled  to  restrict  heating/

cooling capacity

• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected

●

To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
• Adjust the fan speed
• Adjust the temperature setting
• Turn off the air conditioning eco mode

●

When the driving mode is set to Eco driving mode, the air conditioning eco
mode will be turned on automatically. Even in this case, the air conditioning
eco mode can be turned off by selecting 

. (

P. 419)

■

When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32

F (0C)

The  dehumidification  function  may  not  operate  even  when 

  is

selected.

■

Ventilation and air conditioning odors

●

To let the fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.

●

During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents. 

●

In  order  to  suppress  odors  that  occur  when  the  air  conditioning  system
starts, fresh air is automatically taken in when parked.

●

To reduce potential odors from occurring, the start timing of the blower may
be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning
system is started in automatic mode.

■

Air conditioning filter
P. 628