Hello! I have had my 2003 S-Type 4.2 w/touch screen for about a month and absolutely love it. One question: When I set the climate control to auto, the a/c comes on, no matter how cold it is. The system will still regulate the climate, but it seems to me that the a/c is unnecessary in the cold weather. I usually set the system manually and all is well, but I wondered if there is something wrong or if that is just how this vehicle is supposed to act. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Mike

 

Mine does the same, as far as I know it's normal.

 

Normal. Keep in mind that the manufacturers' habit of labeling cars' climate controls today as simply "A/C" is a misnomer. The true label should be "HVAC" (Heating, Ventilation, And Cooling)....

 

its normal and needs to be on since it greatly helps to remove moisture/humidity therefore reduces fogging inside

 

Thanks very much for the answers. It makes sense now that you have explained it to me. I will use auto with no worries.

Thanks,
Mike

 

Hi Mike,

You may want to experiment with setting the mode to manual, and dis-engaging the the auto or a/c mode. I do this in cold weather and just run the heater in the face and feet position with good results. I have noticed a slight improvement in gas mileage in this mode. However, as BRUTAL as said earlier, the auto mode has a valuable demisting function. In warm weather, I just set it on auto and let the a/c do its job.

Mike

 

While in auto mode the A/C lamp is lit signaling that the compressor may cycle on and off. I too played with manual vs auto and found that just like your home, once the climate control system has the cabin at the right temperature, it just maintains the temperature and is fairly efficient.

 

The night I bought my car was a miserable damp wet Oregon night, on the way home I noticed the AC light was on and thought it was wrong so set the unit to manual and could hardly see out the fogged up windows.
I was not a happy bunny

Next day I read the manual found that I was trying to buck the system and let it do it's own thing on Auto and it has been fine ever since.