skihawaii6

How do I keep the engine to stay running to charge the A/C?

I would also like to keep the engine running to troubleshoot a cooling fan.

2008 RX 400h

Audiqv8

Not sure if this will work, but it does for Toyota Hybrid.

skihawaii6

Thanks Audi. No help. RX is totally different starting system.

smassey321

To keep the engine running just press down on the gas pedal. However, you don't need to do this to re-charge as the AC is completely electric. AC is powered from the hybrid batteries and the engine will restart automatically as needed to recharge the batteries. But the gas pedal trick will work for your fan troubleshooting.

skihawaii6

Thanks smassey! I will give it a shot!

smassey321

I forgot to mention that I had replaced both my fan motors at around 110k miles. The motor brushes were worn completely down and had worn deep groves in the motor shaft side.

ukrkoz

Holding down gas pedal will work only for a brief moment on hybrid. Then ECM takes over and shuts it down.
You have to place system into what is referred to as maintenance mode. Then ICE runs just like a regular vehicle one. It returns to normal operation after restart.
DO NOT refill ac unless you checked it for vacuum leaks. Or, you'll be tossing $$ at it continuously.

smassey321

I can keep my engine running for 10+ minutes by pressing the gas pedal. It may be different for other years. Just to be clear, the transmissions is in park when I do this.

Nooblex

Perhaps a brick or a broom would help?