Many enthusiasts have done it successfully on cars like the Skoda Octavia and Slavia.
Prakash Rao recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
In a traditional ICE vehicle, the AC is directly coupled to the engine. When the AC compressor runs, it puts an extra load on the engine, and thus it uses some extra fuel. An AC compressor usually puts up a load between 3-6 HP, depending on the capacity. The actual increase in fuel consumption (marginal) depends a bit on what load the engine is already running, the outside temperature, etc. Most ICE car engines run at peak efficiency at around 75% load only although it is not directly proportional to fuel efficiency, since that depends on a variety of other factors too.
In a nutshell, in a traditional ICE vehicle, when you switch or increase the AC the engine will use a bit more fuel.
However, in the Hyryder Strong Hybrid, it is a completely different scenario. We have an ‘independent battery’ powering a separate air compressor along with its evaporator coil unit!
Since the air conditioner in the Hyryder is not the most powerful around and not satisfactory in this blistering heat (despite completely sealing off the sun-roof with 36 gauge aluminium foil and additional cardboard insulation), I was wondering if one can utilise the VCDS coding (ensure the technician is an expert) to improve the AC cooling. Many BHPians (attached from Mr Shah) have done it successfully on the Skoda Octavia and Slavia.
To those unaware, the VCDS software (and a hex can cable) helps unlock so many beneficial features on many cars like the Audi, Skoda, VV, Mercedes, etc. Is there anything similar on the Toyota?
I tried asking the Technician at Ravindu Toyata-Blr and as expected, he had absolutely no clue of what is VCDS! Since he did not want to act ignorant, he falsely claimed the next firmware upgrade would make the AC more powerful…
Here’s what BHPian mtnrajdeep had to say about the matter:
VCDS is only for the cars in the VW group and this will not work for other brands. You may be able to try some settings using the brand-specific software available in workshops but this is a long shot as I do not think there are many options provided to end users (workshops included).
Here’s what BHPian padmrajravi had to say about the matter:
Toyota’s equivalent of VCDS is the Techstream software. However, I doubt the service centre will entertain anyone asking to change Techstream parameters. Some time back BS6 Toyotas had an option to change the behaviour of the DPF regeneration switch so that the driver could trigger regen at will. That used to be done through Techstream on customer request. Other than that I haven’t heard Toyota entertaining any such parameter change. You could buy a Techstream cable and set up the software on a Windows laptop. It is available on eBay. I have it set up for my Fortuner. I didn’t notice any AC parameters there though. It has many other usable configurations for DPF, BCM etc.
Here’s what BHPian shikh_oberoi had to say about the matter:
Instead of going into technical details, just add a good heat-rejection sunfilm. I got the same done on my Hyryder yesterday. The sunroof is the main culprit for the AC to be ineffective during the day.
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
