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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: speedynz on 31 August 2007, 21:50

Title: Air con always on?
Post by: speedynz on 31 August 2007, 21:50

I am about to take delivery of an Edition 30 GTI and from the owners manual it looks like the A/C is always running if you have the fan turned on, is this true or can you run the fan with no A/C???

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: Cass on 31 August 2007, 23:46

I'm sure aircon compressor is switched off in ECON mode.

Cass

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: speedynz on 31 August 2007, 23:47

Quote from: Cass on 31 August 2007, 23:46

I'm sure aircon compressor is switched off in ECON mode.

Cass

Do you mean always off, or switching on and off as required?

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 01 September 2007, 10:21

Just to throw a spanner in the works, from model year 2008 (ie cars now available) the air con switch has been changed from "ECON" to "A/C" - makes sense (why they never had it like that from the start beats me!)

Anyhow, as Cass correctly stated, pressing the ECON switch, so that the LED is illuminated will manually switch off the air con.  However, this IS over-ridden if you press either the "recirc" or the mega-blast windscreen defrost (the semi-circular switch inside the left temperature switch, and not the rectangular distribution switch).  When you subsequently cancel either of these selections, the air con will continue to run, so you will need to manually press the econ again.

If you use the "AUTO" function, then the aircon will run continuously.

There is no WOT aircon temporary disable, but there is an external temperature disable (below 5degC, I think!)

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: speedynz on 01 September 2007, 10:26

Thanks TT, very helpful.

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 02 September 2007, 08:34

Quote from: speedynz on 01 September 2007, 10:26

Thanks TT, very helpful.

You're welcome.  :smiley:

Just to clarify a small point, between the different model-year switches.  With the "ECON" switch, pressing it so that the LED is illuminated turns the aircon OFF.  With the newer "A/C" switch, pressing it so the LED is lit means the aircon is ON.

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: speedynz on 02 September 2007, 09:34

Got ya. :smiley:

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: NORTHERNER on 02 September 2007, 17:41

As an aside, whilst I am running my engine in I am avoiding putting the aircon on as I believe it puts a strain (albeit small) on the engine.. am I nuts, or is there any logic in me doing this?  Currently following the progressive max RPM approach that TT advised... only another 100 miles to go and I can move up to max 4500...  :smiley:

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: Rhyso on 02 September 2007, 18:11

should run your aircon for at least 10 minutes a week as i believe it helps keep certain parts of the system lubricated and thereofre prevent cracking.  Not sure where i've picked that up so i could be wrong lol

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: speedynz on 02 September 2007, 20:44

^^^^You're right Rhyso^^^^^

Northener I am a little aircon fickle too, it doesn't strain the engine but it will use a small amount of it's power and mildly increase fuel consumption.

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 03 September 2007, 09:10

Quote from: NORTHERNER on 02 September 2007, 17:41

As an aside, whilst I am running my engine in I am avoiding putting the aircon on as I believe it puts a strain (albeit small) on the engine.. am I nuts, or is there any logic in me doing this?

If it is too hot inside your car, then turn on the air con.  Yes, it does use a small amount of engine power (around 3-5 bhp), but on a 200PS motor, it shouldn't be noticeable.  However, if you only had the 75PS 2.0 SDI under you bonnet, you might actually need every one of those apparently lame 75 little ponies for forward motion.

In all seriousnous, your car and engine were designed with the aircon in mind, so even if you leave it on permanently, it shouldn't cause any additional wear on any components.  Indeed, the alternator is more likely to wear the multi-V belt.  :nerd:

Quote from: NORTHERNER on 02 September 2007, 17:41

Currently following the progressive max RPM approach that TT advised... only another 100 miles to go and I can move up to max 4500...  :smiley:

Gold star for my top pupil !!!  :grin:

Title: Re: Air con always on?
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 03 September 2007, 09:15

Quote from: Rhyso on 02 September 2007, 18:11

should run your aircon for at least 10 minutes a week as i believe it helps keep certain parts of the system lubricated and thereofre prevent cracking.  Not sure where i've picked that up so i could be wrong lol

I was told 30 minutes once a month!!

But yes, the general principle is to circulate the PAG lubricant, to prevent the seals in the compressor from drying out, and then ripping when you turn on the air con after its winter hibernation!

A good tip, especially if you suffer with fusty, smelly air con, particularly during high humidity - during the last 5-10 minutes of your journey, turn OFF the air con, and crank up the heater.  This dries the internal evaporator, and prevents water stagnation in the collector drip tray.  :nerd: