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A/C Default on Climate Control

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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 05:04 AM
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Default A/C Default on Climate Control

I have had the 04 LS premium in the past and did not notice the default to AC on the Climate control when turned on in auto and manual. I recently bought a premium with controls in the nav which defaults to AC.

Is there a real drain on this big ol V8 or the A/C system or mileage where I should be trying to remember to turn off the a/c every time? Thanks
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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 05:05 AM
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Correction recently bought a Modern Luxury.
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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 08:51 AM
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I never turn my A/C off. It's left on auto year round, 24/7. It's there to pamper me and I let it do it's job!
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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 09:51 AM
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One of my favorite features of the ls is the automatic climate control and the oscillating vents. Let it work its magic. I can't imagine the compressor is always running so it shouldn't affect mpg too much
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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by warminwisc
I have had the 04 LS premium in the past and did not notice the default to AC on the Climate control when turned on in auto and manual. I recently bought a premium with controls in the nav which defaults to AC.

Is there a real drain on this big ol V8 or the A/C system or mileage where I should be trying to remember to turn off the a/c every time? Thanks
As of about 01 there was an option (C-best?) that the dealer can set that will allow you to turn off the A/C indeffinitely.

In certain climate conditions wintertime operation of A/C can prove to be hazardous, sudden fogging of the windshield when it shuts down unexpectedly.
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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 10:32 AM
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Wish I lived in AZ 6 months a year but from here on in for 6 months I will not need A/C.
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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 11:53 AM
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You NEED auto a/c ON... It's not just make you 'cool', it's there to dry the air as well.
And hvac computer is clever enough, to turn the compressor on just when it's really needed.
Also don't forget, that compressor is automatically disabled if outside temp is below about -8C.
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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 11:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Lynzoid
You NEED auto a/c ON... It's not just make you 'cool', it's there to dry the air as well.
And hvac computer is clever enough, to turn the compressor on just when it's really needed.
Also don't forget, that compressor is automatically disabled if outside temp is below about -8C.
No, the compressor is enabled to run at any OAT above ~34F, and it cannot dehumidify unless the ~33F operating temperature of the evaporator can bring the airflow down to the dewpoint, and even that depends on blower speed.
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Old Oct 28, 2013 | 12:39 PM
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I turn it off manually when not needed. I live in FL so for about 4 months it is an unnecessary hit on my gas milage. I do understand that the compressor is not running all the time, the system cycles it on and off as required but I just turn it off myself if I am comfortable enough. I have tracked every drop of fuel and maintenance since buying the car in January 2009 using an excel spreadsheet and the A/C is a 10% hit. I roll my windows down in the morning, open the sunroof occasionally... There is absolutly nothing wrong with saving money.
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Old Oct 28, 2013 | 04:51 PM
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Phew, there's absolutely nothing wrong with living in sunny FL.... Not cold and grim s-hole called Moscow... When it snows - a/c needs to be on constantly to dry the cabin, when it's hot - same deal. Driving with open windows is such a luxury over here.... Pollution and traffic jams are horrid...
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Old Oct 28, 2013 | 06:04 PM
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I can't tell when it cycles on and off; I never hear a "click" like with other cars.
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Old Oct 28, 2013 | 08:14 PM
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Several experienced A/C techs have told me that it is good to run the compressor every 2 weeks for a few minutes even in the winter to keep the seals from drying out. Of course, this happens automatically if you leave the system in AUTO mode.
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Old Oct 28, 2013 | 08:53 PM
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Thanks for the advice. Glad I asked will turn it off unless the windows fog then on couple times a month.
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Old Oct 29, 2013 | 09:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Gene01
Several experienced A/C techs have told me that it is good to run the compressor every 2 weeks for a few minutes even in the winter to keep the seals from drying out. Of course, this happens automatically if you leave the system in AUTO mode.
"..keep the seals form drying out..."

Urban Legend.

Since about 68 I have always disconnected the A/C compressor clutch wiring during the winter months with no ill effects.

My RX300 has an option which I have used religiously to disable the A/C by simply switching off manuallly once. My 996 C4 has a DIY switch for the same reason.
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Old Oct 29, 2013 | 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by warminwisc
Thanks for the advice. Glad I asked will turn it off unless the windows fog then on couple times a month.
A/C being switched off, or doing so automatically (OAT declines to 34F or below) is more often the cause of windshield fogging...use HEAT to defog/demist the windshield...NO follow-up hazard.
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