2012 camry pts hybrid

Did an interesting one today. I've did Toyota hybrids before but this was different. Starts in electric mode and only kicks on The gas engine when it the batteries drop down to a certain level ( determined by computer in car). Called ads about it and they said that the car doesn't rely on engine heat for the heater. It has heater coils . Any one know other wise?

I've never worked on one, but I guess it makes sense. If the batteries are running the car and you need to stay warm, it would need to rely on a heat source that doesn't use the engine.

Theya re absolutely correct, no heater core in the car but electric heat...Mike M2

Tech Manager

CS Dealer Services

That's amazing. I recall the number of people that have wanted electrical heating rather than the "expense" (ha ha!) of fixing heater cores. But surely they are using reverse cycle air-conditioning for efficiency (typically above 200% efficient; in theory it's up to 300%). Otherwise that is one situation I'd favor using the engine - especially if using fossil-fuel generated electricity!

Makes sense. I recently did a Nissan Altima PTS Hybrid and it was the same way... made it quite interesting for testing since the engine wouldn't kick on for a few minutes. I actually spent about 15 minutes trying to figure out why it wasn't working even though it was. Not sure how, but somehow it still knew the tach signal. I programmed it with the gas engine running and even when the gas motor didn't turn on, it still successfully started. Weird.Kenny

Owner / Technician

KKD Garage LLC

Albany, NY 12205