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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: andrewparker on 06 October 2008, 09:20

Title: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: andrewparker on 06 October 2008, 09:20
Hi guys, tried to find out about this in the manual to no avail.

When you get the snowflake symbol on the dashboard display indicating it is less than 3°C what functions are automatically started on the car?

I'm specifically interested in whether wing mirror heating is turned on?

TIA

Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: sixpot on 06 October 2008, 09:24
I'm sure its 4 deg when the Snowflake symbol lights up?
Nothing else is activated, the mirrors are heated by turning the mirror adjuster knob to the heating position (turn it towards front of car)
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: jreed110 on 06 October 2008, 09:24
I was under the impression no functions are switched on, it's just a warning to yourself that the roads may be icy.
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: andrewparker on 06 October 2008, 09:43
Ah right, my BMW used to turn the mirror, windscreen and rear window heating on when the outside temperature dropped below 3°C. Thought it was a neat feature.
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: bacillus on 06 October 2008, 10:04
I was under the impression no functions are switched on, it's just a warning to yourself that the roads may be icy.
ditto
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: WobGTI on 06 October 2008, 10:20
On my old Leon, what REALLY P1ssed me off....

When it had the cold temp warning on the dash a "safety feature" would turn off the air con compressor...so no air con and I probably use my air con more in the winter to turbo de-mist the windscreen than in the summer (esp with this weather!)

dunno if the mk5 does this.
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: andrewparker on 06 October 2008, 11:00
When it had the cold temp warning on the dash a "safety feature" would turn off the air con compressor...so no air con and I probably use my air con more in the winter to turbo de-mist the windscreen than in the summer (esp with this weather!)

dunno if the mk5 does this.

No, don't think so.
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: neg on 06 October 2008, 11:45
Sure it does, might not show a symbol thats its off but it will be - you want it to anyway otherwise it could freeze up and you would knacker it up.
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: andrewparker on 06 October 2008, 11:47
You're saying that if the snowflake symbol is on the air-con turns off and doesn't deliver any heat to the cabin?
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 06 October 2008, 11:52
When you get the snowflake symbol on the dashboard display indicating it is less than 3°C what functions are automatically started on the car?

Absolutely none.  The snowflake is just a visual warning to indicate that there may be ice, and/or black ice on the roads - and that you "should adapt your driving style accordingly".  :nerd:

I'm specifically interested in whether wing mirror heating is turned on?

Nope, as others have said, door mirror heating is ONLY activated by rotating the knob on the drivers door to the correct position.  However, be WARNED, the mirror heating is one of the first things to be over-rided and automatically turned off when the ECU senses a too high an electrical demand.
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 06 October 2008, 11:57
On my old Leon, what REALLY P1ssed me off....

When it had the cold temp warning on the dash a "safety feature" would turn off the air con compressor...so no air con and I probably use my air con more in the winter to turbo de-mist the windscreen than in the summer (esp with this weather!)

dunno if the mk5 does this.

Erm . . . turning off the air con compressor is a standard safety feature throughout the entire Motor Industry.  :rolleyes:  If the air con is used at temperatures below 5degC, then ice can form on the condensor, which then blocks the airflow through the condensor, which then dramatically overheats the air con refrigerant, which then fcuks the air con compressor, and can also blow seals in the system.  :sick:  Just get used to the fact that cars are actually designed with peeps who do actually posess some levels of intelligence!  :tongue:
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 06 October 2008, 12:00
You're saying that if the snowflake symbol is on the air-con turns off and doesn't deliver any heat to the cabin?

Nope.  The snowflake is purely a visual warning to the big nut holding the steering wheel.  :smiley:

And "air-con" doesn't actually generate any "heat" for the cabin - it merely cools the air temperature, and reduces the air humidity.  :nerd:
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: stealthwolf on 06 October 2008, 18:48
The snowflake is just a visual warning to indicate that there may be ice, and/or black ice on the roads - and that you "should adapt your driving style accordingly". 

I got this warning heading to the RR on Saturday, near Soton. Asked around and was told it was just for alerting you.
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: TeddyKGB on 06 October 2008, 19:50
Ah right, my BMW used to turn the mirror, windscreen and rear window heating on when the outside temperature dropped below 3°C. Thought it was a neat feature.

Urm well, yeh.. that's because BMW's are driven by wayne kerrs who are in too much of a rush to get to work to fiddle their expenses, than switch on their mirror/window/arse/whatever heater :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Low Outside Temperature Warning
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 06 October 2008, 20:41
Ah right, my BMW used to turn the mirror, windscreen and rear window heating on when the outside temperature dropped below 3°C. Thought it was a neat feature.

Urm well, yeh.. that's because BMW's are driven by wayne kerrs who are in too much of a rush to get to work to fiddle their expenses, than switch on their mirror/window/arse/whatever heater :rolleyes:

And use their indicators.  Or turn off their foglamps!  :rolleyes: