Rav 4 electric cuts out when using windscreen blower?

[Acce]

Hi

I had my car recalled then when returned I noticed when time I turn the windscreen blower on it switches from electric to engine. It is a hybrid plug in. I have been told by the garage this is a normal characteristic of the car. This means if I want to return to electric I have to pull over and restart the engine - is this normal? thanks

[nlee]

It is how it is designed. Probably to do with the heat required for the front demister. This behaviour is explained in the manual.

One the cold engine starts it will run until it reaches normal operating temperature then revert back to EV. This is to protect the engine and dependent on starting and ambient temperature could be up to 10 mins.

There is a sort of workaround if you are determined not to run the engine which means manually setting the a/c to max fan speed and directed to the windscreen. You can then return it to auto once the screen has cleared. Alternatively use the cabin preconditioning for 20 mins before starting the journey.

[ernieb]

I use the pre conditioning which usually works pretty well.