cabin fan speed

[matt316316]

I am planning to buy a 2007 V8 4Runner Limited. However, I am concerned that I cannot set the speed of the cabin fan to exactly the speed I want. I can only choose from the 5 preset levels. The lowest setting was a bit too low to keep me cool, but the next higher setting was too high (too much air and too noisy). I wish Toyota gave me a rotating dial instead of these discrete buttons.
I am curious how much of a problem this is in practise. Are you able to control the cabin fan speed as finely as you would like?
Matt

 

[dingo]

Not really an issue for me. I find that the preset speeds are sufficient. You can always do some pseudo fine tuning with the airflow dials below the vents which regulate the volume coming out. You don't notice it after a while. It's strange though, at first you'll hate the whole setup but later you'll end up loving it. I had to get use to the AUTO setting's "set it and forget it" function for a while.

 

[juneau92]

I've certainly gotten used to the system, but by no means have I fallen in love with it. I'd take a set of dials anyday. There's really not much for me to complain about, I love this 4Runner so much. I tow a large trailer with it all over many states, go off-roading with it, it has plenty of room for things and for my dog, just a strong, versatile vehicle overall. The HVAC controls are probably my least favorite feature, but overall it's hard to complain, they're not that bad. Our honda Accord has dials and we much prefer them. Can't have everything I guess.

 

[Uneek]

My Camry and Tacoma have dials, both which are the same as the 4Runner's with four different fan speeds. The dials sort of "click" in place for each of the given fan speed. I haven't tried setting the dial in between to preset speeds.

From the experience of these two Toyotas, I don't believe even if the 4Runner had a dial setup for the fan speed, it would be an infinitely variable fan speed switch. It's more like the variable speed intermittent wiper switch.

I find the 4 different speeds adequate. Low is quite low and I barely feel anything, so if the fan is on, it's at the second lowest speed or faster. I find the setup to be adequate. Your best bet may be to play with the climate control system during your test drive.

 

[Koz]

The fan speed and noise level changes when you change to inside/outside source air button. You may what to re-check. Also the system seems to be a lot quieter when using the "auto" mode. The one comment I can make is that once you get used to this system (I have the dual zone system) it works GREAT! I very rarely have to fuss with it.

Koz

 

[riverwolf]

As others have said, just let "Auto" do it's job. I find that once recirc disengages, the fan noise is generally a non-issue at highway speeds, especially with the radio playing or if the fan steps down one one notch.

Some complain and fight the auto system, but like Koz, the most I ever do is tap the temperature up or down a few degrees now and then. In the winter, I usually disengage the A/C compressor except for fogging or running it periodically for lubrication. Systems seems to be as effective as the auto system on my Honda Accord.

-Brent

 

[Hank]

I agree that there should be more fan speeds, but there aren't. So I adjust the air velocity (directed at me) manually by doing any one of these options by themselves or in different combinations:

1) open/close rear vent
2) select fresh/recirc
3) select upper vent / upper+lower / lower / windshield / windshield+lower vent
4) pointing the nearest passenger side vent towards me
5) whatever combo listed in 1-4 that works

You get the point. I just wished there were 6-10 fan speeds to select from instead of 4, oh well.

BTW, it gets even more complicated when my fiancee is riding with me as she use the dual climate zone feature.