Air con always on?

[speedynz]

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???

[Cass]

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

Cass

[speedynz]

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

Cass

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

[Teutonic_Tamer]

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!)

[speedynz]

Thanks TT, very helpful.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Thanks TT, very helpful.

You're welcome. 

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.

[speedynz]

Got ya.

[NORTHERNER]

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... 

[Rhyso]

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

[speedynz]

^^^^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.