Air conditioning controls
- Temperature control dial
- Fan speed control dial
- "ON/OFF" switch
- "A/C" switch
- Outside/recirculated air mode switch
- Airflow mode control switch
- Rear window defogger and outside rear view mirror defoggers switch (if equipped)
- Windshield defogger switch
Adjusting the temperature setting
Adjust the cabin temperature by turning the temperature control dial. Rotate it clockwise for warmer air or counterclockwise for cooler air, selecting a setting appropriate for the desired Toyota Tacoma cabin comfort.
If the "A/C" switch has not been pressed, the system supplies either ambient-temperature air or heated air rather than actively cooled air.
Fan speed setting
Turn the fan speed control dial clockwise to increase airflow or counterclockwise to reduce it. The selected fan speed determines how strongly air is delivered through the active vents.
Press the "ON/OFF" switch when you want to stop the fan and turn off its airflow.
Change the airflow mode
Use the air flow mode control switch to direct air toward the areas of the Toyota Tacoma interior where it is needed.
Each operation of the switch advances the system to the next airflow distribution mode shown below.
- Air is directed primarily toward the upper body.
- Air is distributed toward both the upper body and feet.
- Air is directed mainly toward the feet.
- Air is directed toward the feet while the windshield defogger also operates.
Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
Press the outside/recirculated air mode switch to select whether the ventilation system draws fresh air from outside the vehicle or recirculates air already inside the cabin.
Each press alternates between outside air mode, with the indicator off, and recirculated air mode, with the indicator illuminated.
Set cooling and dehumidification function
Press the "A/C" switch to activate the cooling and dehumidification function. This can cool incoming air while also helping remove excess moisture from the cabin air.
When this function is active, the indicator on the "A/C" switch illuminates to confirm operation.
Defogging the windshield
The windshield defogger is intended to clear fog and condensation from the windshield and front side windows, improving outward visibility from the Toyota Tacoma cabin.
Press the windshield defogger switch to direct the climate system toward clearing the glass.
If recirculated air mode is currently selected, change the outside/recirculated air mode switch to outside air mode so fresh outside air can be used during defogging.
For faster removal of fog from the windshield and side windows, increase both the airflow and temperature settings.
After the windshield has been cleared, press the windshield defogger switch again to return the system to its previous operating mode.
While the windshield defogger is operating, the indicator on the windshield defogger switch remains illuminated.
Defogging the rear window and outside rear view mirrors (if equipped)
The rear window defogger clears fog and condensation from the rear glass. On equipped models, the outside rear view mirror defoggers also help remove raindrops, dew and frost from the mirror surfaces, improving rearward visibility in cold or damp weather.
Press the rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers switch to activate these functions.
The defoggers normally switch off automatically after approximately 15 minutes. Depending on the surrounding conditions and outside temperature, however, operation may continue beyond the 15-minute period. While the rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers are active, the indicator on their switch illuminates.
When the outside temperature exceeds 75ºF (24ºC) and the air conditioning system is on
- To reduce the amount of power consumed by the air conditioning system, the Toyota Tacoma climate control may automatically change to recirculated air mode when the outside temperature exceeds 75ºF (24ºC). This reduces the amount of hot outside air that must be cooled and can improve operating efficiency.
This operating strategy may also help reduce fuel consumption by lowering the cooling demand placed on the air conditioning system.
- Recirculated air mode is selected as the default intake mode when the engine switch is turned to ON, allowing the Toyota Tacoma cabin to reach the desired temperature more efficiently under suitable conditions.
Outside air mode can be selected at any time by pressing the outside/recirculated air mode switch whenever fresh air from outside the vehicle is preferred.
Fogging up of the windows
- Windows are more likely to fog when humidity inside the Toyota Tacoma is high. Turning the "A/C" switch on dehumidifies the air delivered from the vents and helps clear condensation from the windshield more effectively.
- When the "A/C" switch is turned off, moisture is not removed from the airflow in the same way, so the windows may fog more readily.
- Extended use of recirculated air mode can also increase the likelihood of window fogging because moisture remains within the passenger compartment instead of being exchanged with outside air.
When driving on dusty roads
Close all windows before driving through dusty conditions. If dust raised by the Toyota Tacoma continues to enter the cabin even with the windows closed, select outside air mode and operate the fan at any speed other than off. This maintains controlled ventilation while helping manage the air entering the passenger compartment.
Outside/recirculated air mode
- Temporarily selecting recirculated air mode can help prevent dirty or unpleasant outside air from entering the cabin. It is also useful when the outside temperature is high because the system can reuse air that has already begun to cool instead of continually drawing in hotter outside air.
- During cooling operation, recirculated air mode can improve cooling effectiveness and help the Toyota Tacoma interior reach a comfortable temperature more quickly.
When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32ºF (0ºC)
When the outside temperature approaches 32ºF (0ºC), the air conditioning system's dehumidification function may not operate even if the "A/C" switch has been pressed. This behavior can occur because of the low ambient temperature.
Ventilation and air conditioning odors
- When fresh ventilation is desired, select outside air mode so air from outside the vehicle can circulate through the cabin.
- During normal use, odors originating both inside and outside the vehicle can enter the air conditioning system and gradually accumulate within its components. These retained odors may later be noticeable in the air discharged from the vents.
- To help limit the development and accumulation of ventilation or air conditioning odors, use the operating procedure described below.
Before turning the vehicle off, it is recommended that the air conditioning system be switched to outside air mode. Allowing fresh outside air into the system before shutdown can help reduce conditions that contribute to lingering odors.
Air conditioning system refrigerant
- A refrigerant information label for the Toyota Tacoma air conditioning system is attached to the hood at the location illustrated below. The label provides important identification and service-related information for the refrigerant used in the system.
- The symbols printed on the air conditioning refrigerant label have the following meanings and identify important service and safety requirements:
Caution
Air conditioning system
Air conditioning system
lubricant type
Requires registered
technician to service
air conditioning system
Flammable refrigerant
WARNING
To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Avoid using the windshield defogger switch while cool air is being supplied in extremely humid weather. Under these conditions, directing very cold air toward the windshield can create an unfavorable temperature difference between the glass and the outside air.
If the windshield becomes significantly cooler than the surrounding outside air, moisture may condense on its outer surface. This exterior fogging can quickly reduce forward visibility from the Toyota Tacoma and make it difficult to see the road clearly.
When the outside rear view mirror defoggers are operating
Do not touch the surfaces of the outside rear view mirrors while their defoggers are operating. The mirror glass can become very hot during use and may cause burns if touched.
NOTICE
To prevent battery discharge
When the engine is off, do not leave the air conditioning system operating longer than necessary. Extended electrical use with the engine stopped can discharge the Toyota Tacoma battery.
Windshield wiper de-icer (if equipped)
The windshield wiper de-icer helps prevent ice from accumulating on the lower windshield area and around the wiper blades, supporting more reliable wiper operation during freezing weather.
Press the rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers switch to activate the related heating functions.
Once activated, the windshield wiper de-icer automatically switches off after approximately 15 minutes.
Turning on the rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers also activates the windshield wiper de-icer, so a separate de-icer switch is not required.
While the rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers are operating, the indicator on their switch illuminates to show that the heating functions are active.
WARNING
To prevent burns
Do not touch the glass along the lower portion of the windshield or the areas beside the front pillars while the windshield wiper de-icer is operating. These heated areas can become hot enough to cause burns.
Air outlet layout and operations
Location of air outlets
The outlets used to distribute air through the Toyota Tacoma cabin, as well as the amount of air delivered from each outlet, vary according to the airflow mode currently selected.
: If equipped
Adjusting the air flow direction
Adjust each movable air outlet to direct airflow left or right and upward or downward. Position the vents according to passenger comfort and the area of the cabin where airflow is needed.
Opening/closing the air outlets
Front side
- Open the vent to allow conditioned air to flow from the front side outlet.
- Close the vent when airflow from the front side outlet is not desired.
Front center
- Open the vent to allow air to pass through the front center outlet.
- Close the vent to stop airflow from the front center outlet.
WARNING
To not interrupt the windshield defogger from operating
Do not place objects on the instrument panel where they could cover or block the air outlets. Restricted airflow can reduce the effectiveness of the windshield defogger and prevent the Toyota Tacoma windshield from clearing properly, which may interfere with the driver's forward visibility.
