Herm

Is it normal for the air conditioner on lamp (part of A/C button) to be illuminated when the climate control system is in the automatic mode ? It is always on regardless of temperature setting or outside temperature. 1993 LS

Thanks for any info provided - Herm

GA400

It is always on in auto mode and front defrost mode.

GA400

Lexs400

Well it will be on anytime the humidifier is working. A/C isnt on necessarily to just blow in the cold air. It turns itself on as a humidifier when the heat is being blown.
At times when the outside temp is really low, then fresh air is utilized and you'll notice that the A/C will turn off autmatically.
Best thing to do if you dont like A/C on is to click on Auto, then turn off A/C button. That will still work the auto climate control, you'll notice the air flow modes chaging and the fan speed as well but the A/C will remain off.

Herm

Thanks for the info - it makes sense (I think you probably mean de-humidifier as opposed to humidifier though)

- Herm

95ls400

good idea to hit the auto mode and turn off the AC manually, this way the AC compressor will not be working and put wear and tear on itself and temperture still be control automatic. I do this all the time in winter.

Herm

I got the impression that even though the A/C light was "on" the compressor clutch was not engaged (unless of course the temperature setting was such that cooling was necessary). If this is the case, there would be no need to turn off the A/C switch. The light would indicate the ability of the compressor to turn on if needed - not that it was on.

As far as the "defrost" setting is concerned, I have found that de-humidification really helps. - so I would be happy to have the A/C on in this case.

I plan to do a test shortly to verify when the compressor is actually on and will post the results.

Thanks for your comments - Herm

95ls400

I sure if you leave the AC button on, the compressor will kick in. It will kick in for a while and dis engage and kick in again in cycles.

Herm

Interesting - I will check it out. But - I think in the automatic climate control mode the A/C compressor would only engage when cooling was required (ie the inside temp was above the thermostat settting). I just do not see why they would run the compressor when it was not required.

An exception to the above of course is the defrost mode when the A/C is apparently used as a de-humidifier.

95ls400

when you turn on the heater then the computer automatic turn on the AC to remove water condesation on windows and windshield . As heating the car interior tend to condense water on inside car windows. The same thing when you have a glass of ice cold water in summer, water start to condense outside the glass.
I always turn the AC off myself and when windows get cloudy I turn it back on for a while and off again

Herm

95ls400

Thanks for the info - very interesting.

I have read that it is good in general to run the A/C occasionally during the winter to circulate oil and lubricate seals, etc.

Herm