I notice that the heater takes quite a while to warm up the inside of the vehicle when it is cold outside, say,-15C. I live in Alberta and recently, we were in deep freeze and every time when I put the heater on when I first start the engine, it takes at least 5 + minutes to get the inside comfortable regardless of what setting I select. I thought the 2013 models are equipped with a "fast heater". Are the rest of you experiencing the same? Thanks
Heater in 2013 models
Alberta
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I notice that the heater takes quite a while to warm up the inside of the vehicle when it is cold outside, say,-15C. I live in Alberta and recently, we were in deep freeze and every time when I put the heater on when I first start the engine, it takes at least 5 + minutes to get the inside comfortable regardless of what setting I select. I thought the 2013 models are equipped with a "fast heater". Are the rest of you experiencing the same? Thanks
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165 Posts
I've noticed the same thing - my 2013 Limited warms up quite a bit slower inside than my 2006 Limited did. It's about 6-7 minutes until I feel appreciable heat inside. BTW - I've never been to Alberta, but I'm thinking Michigan weather is just about the same at the moment (19°F / -7°C)
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192 Posts
What I have found is plugging in my block heater to keep the engine warm allows the Rav to warm up faster. But I do agree from cold it does take a while.
It certainly does not heat up any faster than our 15 year old cars did. Also noticed prolonged idling or low engine speeds seems to cause the heat to fade. Toyota tries to reduce the thermal mass of their engines for faster heat up, maybe that new tranny heater is sucking up a lot of heat.
Years ago I got a car to heat up twice as fast by plugging the vent hole in the thermostat.
Years ago I got a car to heat up twice as fast by plugging the vent hole in the thermostat.
I believe only the EV has the electric heater. I had heard in these forums that it did have this feature, but it appears it does not.
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1,709 Posts
The TIS service manual says the '13 RAV has this feature.
Here's a quick copy/paste:
3/26/13 bigbird1 :: TIS Service Information Browser
Last Modified: 03-12-2013
6.4 F
Doc ID: NM1000000005IIC
Model Year: 2013
Model: RAV4
Prod Date Range: [12/2012 - ]
Title: HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING: AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM: QUICK HEATER;; 2013 MY RAV4 [12/2012 - ]
QUICK HEATER
1. CONSTRUCTION
(a) The PTC heater (quick heater assembly) consists of a PTC element and an aluminum fin. When current is applied to the PTC element, it generates heat to warm the air that passes through the unit.


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I have heat coming from the vents within 3-4 blocks of the house....
I honestly doubt the engine/coolant has warmed up in that short period of time.
Maybe the LE doesn't have it but pretty sure the XLE & Limited have a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) electric heater.
I disagree with the slowness of heating also......I feel the 2013 RAV heats faster than other vehicles I've owned.
We've had lows of -10F with highs around 0F and I'm satisfied with the output. :thumbs_up:
If the new heater is equipped with the PTC element, why is it taking so long to heat up the cabin? Is it because the PTC element is not working as effectively as it should? If that is the case, TOYOTA should be made aware of this problem. What do you guys think?
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On both auto and manual, the air coming out of the ducts in my XLE gets warm quickly. After a couple of blocks of driving the air starts to get warm, even at low ambient temps (-25C). Perhaps a trip to the service dep't to get it checked out is in order?
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You don't understand how a PTC electric heater works........
If your starting @ 50F the PTC electric heater probably barely comes on at all.
They work at maximum output when cold and approach zero output when they reach the predetermined maximum temperature.....self regulating so to speak.
In a vehicle they are meant to provide near instant heater output when cold just until the engine warms enough to take over.
As soon as the temperature gauge (not the thermometer
) in the dash goes from 0 to first increment I'm getting hot air, Usually within a minute or two of start up too, and mornings in the Carolinas has been chilly recently (20s and 30s), takes the same amount of time to defrost the back window and rear view mirrorsI'm familiar with PTC's. It would be nice to know what temperature the PTC is turned on and off, and even what the power rating is. You are right the PTC may not turn on until the temperature is somewhere below 50 degrees F. On occasion the car has warmed up faster than expected when it sat out in sub freezing temperatures for an hour or less. Thought it retained heat well, maybe not, just the PTC working. How many cars have this auxiliary heat feature?
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722 Posts
I have the same question.
The PTC heaters have been fitted on European models since 2006 but ONLY those with diesel engines. This is because diesels are very thermally efficient and most of the heat generated by combustion goes out through the exhaust.
However, you can tell if your car has it as you will find the 3 stage relays in the main relay box in the engine bay.
However, you can tell if your car has it as you will find the 3 stage relays in the main relay box in the engine bay.
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