PTC heater - feel the heat?

There is another post here talking about the 3 relays, how they work and at what temperature. I found the 3 relays on my 2018 Tacoma but I'm not sure it does anything noticable. For those in cold climates, are you able to tell any difference at all?

Anyone know the 3 fuse ratings? The Prius has 30A+30A+50A so I'm guessing this is similar and over 1kw. Surley I should feel a little heat right?

:::EDIT:::
Turn the fan on low, temp to "HI" and you should feel some heat a few seconds after starting your truck cold. The PTC only runs when the temp is set to HI.

 

Mine works, remember to crack the heat to max to activate it.

 

It seems to help a little.

 

I'm assuming this is a 3rd gen thing? That's pretty cool.

 

Are the fuse/relay locations the same on the Tacoma?

 

I have noticed this, but only when the temp is set to high. It takes 90-120 seconds or so, but it definitely blows warm air long before the temp needle even starts to move. It is by no means hot, but is warm enough to start defrosting the windshield/warming up the truck.

 

Does the fan speed matter?

Does it only work on defrost or any vent?

 

^^TRY THIS^^ +1

 

Just tried again this morning. I turned the fan speed down this time and I could feel the heat. Thanks guys

 

How come this is not more well known? I have never heard of this after owning 2 3rd gens.

 

Thats kinda neat. Almost 1500W of heat (if its the same as the Prius - which it probably isnt..)

 

I came up with only 39 posts with this search:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/search/7555438/?q=ptc+heater&t=post&o=date&c[node]=186

Given the size of this forum, not hearing about is very likely, esp considering all the other stuff that comes up.

 

If it aint on the front page, people don't read it

 

Very true!

I'm just stoked that the TSBs released in the last 6mos have really quieted down a lot of the big issues and repeats threads.

 

I know all salesmen aren't created equal, but they should certainly mention this trick. Especially when in a colder climate. Maybe I'm asking too much though.

 

I'd guess because it's not in the owner's manual.

There are 70 hits for "heater", 72 hits for "max" and 0 hits for "PTC" in the 2017 TRDOR owner's manual. None of them talk about the electric PTC heater. Nor is there anything in Section 6 of the manual that discusses operation of the PTC heater. The only reason I know about it is by word of mouth.

Seems rather dumb for Toyota to exclude information about a feature that supposedly can only be activated under certain conditions and switch settings. I've always just set my automatic temp control to the temperature I wanted (say, 75 degrees in winter) and let the system do its work as the coolant warmed up. Never knew I needed to set the temp to "MAX" or "HI" in order to get the PTC to turn on.

Plus, I just tested this in my vehicle. About 29° F outside, cold-soaked motor. Set HVAC to "auto" and temp to "HI". The fan was completely off for about 4 minutes and then turned on to the lowest speed. 20 seconds later it increased speed 1 setting. I felt very warm air. The fan stayed on to the second speed and the heat continued even when I reduced the temp from "HI" to 72 degrees, leading me to believe that the PTC operation is automatic regardless of temp setting, not manual. I don't believe 4 minutes of runtime would heat the block and coolant up enough to circulate 80-100° coolant through the heater core.

Thoughts?

 

I've never heard of if. Don't know if my SR5 has it.
Will try to remember to check it out.

 

So is this just on dual zone auto AC?

 

I'll be that guy this time...

GTFO... these trucks have that?! I'm going to have to sniff around the heater box today. If there's an 8ga or so wire going to it, it would probably be that.

(I'm familiar with the systems on other vehicles, that's why I'd be surprised to see it in a taco. It's a non-phev, non-flagship vehicle line or model. Not really anyway.)

Edit: quote from the other thread I just saw:

 

Check the fuse box under the hood. If you have a PTC heater relay installed, then you should have it.
Based on the service manual, it seems to be on every model.