Questions about MS3 Auto HVAC

[slammie]

MS3 GT owners.....some more questions for you: I noticed during test drive that when "Auto" is selected on the HVAC, the AC lights up. Does this mean then that the AC compressor is running? Or is it simply on stand by and will run as needed to cool the car or reduce moisture say during a rain storm? Thanks!

Silver MS3 GT with Auto Mirror/Compass built 12-13-06 and expected to be in my hands in early February

 

[B1GHAM]

MS3 GT owners.....some more questions for you: I noticed during test drive that when "Auto" is selected on the HVAC, the AC lights up. Does this mean then that the AC compressor is running? Or is it simply on stand by and will run as needed to cool the car or reduce moisture say during a rain storm? Thanks!

Silver MS3 GT with Auto Mirror/Compass built 12-13-06 and expected to be in my hands in early February

this has been discussed with the MS6. From what owners are saying on the MS6 is that the compressor is running anytime the "auto" setting is selected. I still havent tested this out. PM me tomorrow morning and Ill test their theory out @ work on both the MS6 and the new MS3 we have (not spoken for)

 

[slammie]

this has been discussed with the MS6. From what owners are saying on the MS6 is that the compressor is running anytime the "auto" setting is selected. I still havent tested this out. PM me tomorrow morning and Ill test their theory out @ work on both the MS6 and the new MS3 we have (not spoken for)

Thanks! I will.......

 

[Hikaru9]

Perhaps my worries are unwarranted, but if using the "auto" mode really puts the AC to work, wouldn't that burn up more gas?

 

[slammie]

Perhaps my worries are unwarranted, but if using the "auto" mode really puts the AC to work, wouldn't that burn up more gas?

Yes, of course....hp and gas. That's why I'm asking.

 

[jbiird317]

very good question, i thought about it but never really looked into it. even tho i could walk out to the garage and find out for sure, ill be lazy... any info on this sean?

 

[SwampAss]

are we sure it's not just because of the winter type weather we are having? I mean, it kicks on to defog the windows right?

 

[Captain KRM P5]

on my wife's mazda3, selecting 'auto' switches the defroster on which in turn activates the AC. automatic climate control or not, most vehicle HVAC systems will activate the AC compressor when the defroster is on to circulate fresh air faster.

 

[SwampAss]

My 325i does the same thing FWIW.

 

[Rainman]

This feature drives me nuts. I have somewhat come to terms with the idea of the compressor being on during the winter months in the MS6 if I use the Auto feature. However, my wife will not use Auto climate in the MS3 simply because she feels wrong having the AC light on while she is trying to keep the car at a constant temp.

R

 

[SwampAss]

I push the AC button again and turn the dials manually. I am old school. Considering my other car, any heat is good.

 

[fourthmeal]

don't forget that the A/C is on also when the position selector is set to "floor only" as well. But, the light doesn't come on for the A/C itself! I DO NOT like that. I enjoy having a little heat on my feet with the windows down a bit, but I dont' need the A/C. Bad on you, Mazda.

So, for the record, the A/C is on in these settings:

Floor Only

Defrost and Floor

Defrost Only

Any time you press the Auto, it seems

Because of all this, I usually just leave the fan on low, temp at 71-74, and position at floor-front combo, which doesn't turn on the A/C.

 

[Rainman]

don't forget that the A/C is on also when the position selector is set to "floor only" as well. But, the light doesn't come on for the A/C itself! I DO NOT like that. I enjoy having a little heat on my feet with the windows down a bit, but I dont' need the A/C. Bad on you, Mazda.

So, for the record, the A/C is on in these settings:

Floor Only

Defrost and Floor

Defrost Only

Any time you press the Auto, it seems

Because of all this, I usually just leave the fan on low, temp at 71-74, and position at floor-front combo, which doesn't turn on the A/C.

This is my wife's solution as well. Kinda beats the purpose of having the auto feature doesn't it. I think Mazda should refund some of our money...LOL!

R

 

[kokemon23]

This can be annoying, but it isn't a big deal. I just set it to auto, whatever temp I want it at, then turn off the AC manually. The climate control will still adjust the mode and fan settings automatically, but the AC will be off. I can still adjust temp settings and the AC stays off.

 

[redms3gt]

This can be annoying, but it isn't a big deal. I just set it to auto, whatever temp I want it at, then turn off the AC manually. The climate control will still adjust the mode and fan settings automatically, but the AC will be off. I can still adjust temp settings and the AC stays off.

+1 I do the same.

In the owners manual it says to operate the AC at least once every month. By automatically turning on it also likely guarentee's that the AC compressor will run at least once a month, therfore lubracating the seals and inturn longer compressor life/system holding of freon. Most people would not use the AC for 3-4 months out of a year and this can cause service issues. Freon or 134 whatever has lubricants which the pump uses and keep seals throughout the entire system healthly..Pain in our asses but likely less warenty work for mazda.

 

[ms3_zoomzoom]

This is kind of off topic but don't most new cars use electric a/c compressors that don't effect h/p and mpg?

 

[WildChild]

This is kind of off topic but don't most new cars use electric a/c compressors that don't effect h/p and mpg?

No, you must be thinking about electric power steering pumps. Very few cars even use those.

 

[Brian MP5T]

Open the hood
Get Help (Friend To Push Button) listen to the engine when the Auto is turned on.

You cana hear A/C being turned on.

 

[RENE063]

This might help a little. When your A/C is on (house or car), you are technically taking humidity out of the air, not necessarily blowing cold air as your relief from the heat. This is why the A/C comes on when defrosting your windshield in the winter months, to remove the moisture. You can still get heat with the A/C on. Yes, there will be a power draw, but not so much as to kill the wallet.