Climate Control - when is air con switched on?

[guest2795]

My first post!
My wife has a 2012 model year ES with climate control. It is usually set to distribute air between the screen and the feet (not on auto). Occasionally she will use the button on the dash to rapidly clear the windscreen when it's misted up. I believe the air con is automatically on when on the rapid demist setting but can anyone tell me if it's on when airflow is split between windscreen and feet?
Thanks.

[guest2662]

if you look in the little round control window it will say aircon on if its on, hope that helps, roger.

[guest2795]

Thanks for your suggestion roger. I did check that and the display does indicate the air con is not on but I just 'feel' that it's working as the windows remain suspiciously clear and it may be just me but the air just 'feels' as if it's conditioned. Perhaps I should re-read the manual! I'll have another play with it tonight.

[guest2867]

I think it may well be on, do you get any water dripping from under the car after you stop?.
Also what is the level of your coolant ie how far above the min

[Geoffers]

If it says 'Aircon on' then it is else it's off!

Simples!

[guest2867]

But why does the engine fan run when the interior fan is on without air con on?

[Geoffers]

Ahhh, who knows the secret of the 'Black Magic' box?

(retired Rowntree employee)

[guest2795]

Well, the mystery deepens...... I looked in the manual last night and it is quite clear. If you select 'screen' or 'screen and feet', the air con is switched on automatically. So that would seem to answer the question. That may also explain the dimming headlights issue others on the forum (including me) have noticed. But why doesn't it show 'air con' on the display if that's the case? I think Geoffers comment re. 'Black Magic box' is probably the best answer to that!

Thanks to everyone who has contributed.

[guest2867]

maybe it's because when on the screen the air con is being used as a dehumidifier and not for cooling and this could be why a/c is not lit, only a thought.

[guest907]

On mine the only words other than temp are Aircon Off, then by definition if this isn't shown it must be on.

[guest2867]

i agree i think it's only lit when it's cooling otherwise it's acting as a dehumidifier.

[VicW]

The air-con system acts as a dehumidifier all the time it is on.If it is not on then there is no dehumidifying effect.The humidity in the air is condensed out by the cold air from the air-con before the air passes into the car.Hence the pools of water under the car.
If you have a car with climate control then run it in auto all the time and just dial in the temperature you want.
The heating system will overcome the cold air to provide heat in the winter but still pass dry air into the car with all it's benefits.
The cold air from the air-con supplies air down to about +4C while the heating side will cope with temperatures down to about -20C.

Vic.