I just don't get it...

[pat_smith1969]

That "Auto" feature on the temperature control seems to be insane. Whenever I turn on auto it turns on the defogger, and the Air Conditioner. If it is 20 degrees out side and I set it to 78 inside it will blow hot air but will run the AC unit also. I purposely don't use the AC unit because I don't want the hit on the gas mileage.

I get that they do this to keep the windows from fogging up, but it is still annoying to me. I seldom use the auto feature now because of that.

 

[ChrisK]

I wouldn't worry too much about the ac hurting gas mileage. It's a pretty efficient unit. I haven't noticed a single difference in gas mileage with or without the ac on.

But I know what you mean about the ac always being on. It's a new car thing. It's suppose to keep moister out of the car.

I just always leave the auto temp control on now.

 

[CWPspeed3]

Seems like these cars always want to run the compressor, it turns the ac on to lower humidity and defrost windows. It will run the compressor if you have the blower set to feet only as well, even without hitting auto. Nothing you can do about it that I know of.

 

[robin2660]

Seems like these cars always want to run the compressor, it turns the ac on to lower humidity and defrost windows. It will run the compressor if you have the blower set to feet only as well, even without hitting auto. Nothing you can do about it that I know of.

Hmm ... I'm pretty sure mine doesn't run the A/C when I have the selector to either dash or under-dash heating, but only when I shift it to the defogger mode. I can feel a brief push of cool air before it warms, and likewise, no cool air when I shift back.

I could be wrong ....

 

[clos561]

I wouldn't worry too much about the ac hurting gas mileage. It's a pretty efficient unit. I haven't noticed a single difference in gas mileage with or without the ac on.

But I know what you mean about the ac always being on. It's a new car thing. It's suppose to keep moister out of the car.

I just always leave the auto temp control on now.

i noticed a drop of about 3-5 mpg while using the a/c. I tested no a/c windows down and windows up with a/c

 

[badmotorfinger]

If interested in saving gas...pushing the AC button toggles it on or off. But this kills auto mode.

 

[eg6motion]

If interested in saving gas...pushing the AC button toggles it on or off. But this kills auto mode.

During the auto mode, the AC compressor may not actually be on. This is how most cars operate with climate control. The AC indicator comes on, but it doesn't mean the AC is running.

 

[Hank3]

During the auto mode, the AC compressor may not actually be on. This is how most cars operate with climate control. The AC indicator comes on, but it doesn't mean the AC is running.

Really? Interesting...I just always assumed if the AC light was on, it was on. Never really had any reason to think otherwise.

 

[dan1101]

I just let the auto climate control handle the temperature and it's good at that. Otherwise I can't stand high fan settings and the AC being on all the time. IIRC only the "floor and vent" and "vent-only" settings don't run the AC.

 

[RocaLoca]

I wouldn't worry too much about the ac hurting gas mileage. It's a pretty efficient unit. I haven't noticed a single difference in gas mileage with or without the ac on.

But I know what you mean about the ac always being on. It's a new car thing. It's suppose to keep moister out of the car.

I just always leave the auto temp control on now.

ive gotten over 40 extra mpgs by not using the a/c at all on my long drives to and from michigan.

 

[Sport6]

that a sick signature picture CWPspeed3

But back on topic, I tend not to like the auto feature because im a MPG nut anyway and any defrost/ac will run the compressor. But ya its true it probably works better than older ac units. I'm still a cheap bastard.

 

[DreSEL]

During the auto mode, the AC compressor may not actually be on. This is how most cars operate with climate control. The AC indicator comes on, but it doesn't mean the AC is running.

True. The AC light stays on all the time, but the compressor turns on and off as needed.

 

[BillTheCat]

Man, going back to the 70's & 80's cars I owned (used... I'm not quite old enough to have bought a new car in the 80's), most owner's manuals suggested using A/C when using defog/defrost, no matter what temp setting you used. Takes a lot less time to defog/defrost the windshield if the A/C is running, due to the lower moisture.

Down here in FL, if I drive without the A/C on, it takes about 10-15 minutes before the windows start fogging up & the air in the car gets clammy. So I basically drive with A/C on all the time. Unless the temps are below 60-65 (maybe 2 months a year) and I am driving slowly enough to roll the windows down, I run A/C, even if I adjust the temp to match ambient.

Two of the things I miss most about living up North are low humidity & mild Summer temps. I took a road trip to NYC/PA in August, and weather-wise, it was farking heaven. (Granted, I don't need snow tires in December, so there is that for living down here)

Yeah, I never use the Auto Climate feature. But I can say that I have seen at least a 1-2mpg improvement in the last month when I run the A/C less often. (I track my mileage on www.fueleconomy.gov & note A/C usage in the "Notes" section)