I just bought a 98 SC300 and have a climate control question. Whenever I turn on the climate control system, the a/c button lights up, which I assume means that the compressor is running. During the cold winter months (like now), I have to remember to turn the a/c off everytime I turn on the climate control system. I see no benefit to having the compressor run during the winter and i want to preserve its life as long as possible. Is there some logical reason for the climate control system to work like this, for instance, is the heater more efficient with the compressor running? Is there anything I can do so that the compressor doesnt come on when I turn the system on?

Thanks.

 

I turn mine off as well.
I believe the AC system also dehumidifies the air inside the car, which helps prevent condensation on the inside of the windshield, which is why it comes on automatically.