A/C fan speed inconsistent when on auto

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Old 10-20-2010 | 03:36 PM
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Les Anderson's Avatar
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A/C fan speed inconsistent when on auto

I have noticed that when the climate control system is set to auto with the A/C on it tends to blow cold air at the highest fan speed for a relatively short interval, then it slows down and then speeds back up to full speed. 1-3 minutes cycles or so.

Just me?
Old 10-20-2010 | 03:45 PM
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Andy Tsang's Avatar
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Im assuming that it is just compensating fan speed when the temp in the car flucuates.
Old 10-20-2010 | 05:27 PM
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I would like to think so but it is consistent from full fan speed all the way down to low, all the way back up all within a couple minutes. Over and over...
Old 10-20-2010 | 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Les Anderson
I have noticed that when the climate control system is set to auto with the A/C on it tends to blow cold air at the highest fan speed for a relatively short interval, then it slows down and then speeds back up to full speed. 1-3 minutes cycles or so.

Just me?
It's normal. Fan speed will increase/decrease automatically when on auto mode based on what the cabin temp gauge detects.
Old 10-20-2010 | 11:10 PM
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I appreciate the input but still feel like you guys are not hearing me. What I am trying to say is that the cycling seems excessive. I expect the fan to blow at high speed when it is trying to cool the cabin when the car is first turned on but once the cabin has cooled and the fan slows it kicks back into high gear again after a minute or so. Makes auto mode almost unusable.

I am going to have the stealer look at it next time I am up there.
Old 10-21-2010 | 09:15 AM
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If it's that out of the ordinary to you, then yes, take it to the dealer. We don't have any way of seeing/feeling what you're describing, so we can't really know if it's normal or not.

Obviously, it's normal - to an extent - for it to cycle a bit on the auto setting, but for it to be going all the way down low and then up high again sounds like something might not be quite right.
Old 10-21-2010 | 10:10 AM
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Does this happen when your car is moving or sitting still?

I ask because there's a sunlight sensor on your dashboard (near the base of the windshield). When I'm driving and making turns, sunlight will full on hit the sensor and then be completely shadowed by the car and this causes the fan speed to go from really high to really low. I guess the car is thinking "there's a lot of sunlight...so it's going to feel warmer in the car...I'll kick up the fan speed to compensate..."
Old 10-21-2010 | 10:21 AM
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GPS-enabled climate control

It is called GPS-enabled climate control.

When you are going towards the sun, the fan speed increases. Turn away from the sun, the fan speed decreases. (when on Auto)
Old 10-21-2010 | 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by VietNinjaJ30A1
Does this happen when your car is moving or sitting still?

I ask because there's a sunlight sensor on your dashboard (near the base of the windshield). When I'm driving and making turns, sunlight will full on hit the sensor and then be completely shadowed by the car and this causes the fan speed to go from really high to really low. I guess the car is thinking "there's a lot of sunlight...so it's going to feel warmer in the car...I'll kick up the fan speed to compensate..."
Ah ha- this might make sense. I notice it when driving. I live in Miami and the sun is blazing.

I will feel better knowing that the issue is with design and not a specific problem with my car. I will do some testing.
Thanks
Old 10-21-2010 | 02:29 PM
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Les, I know what you are experiencing and it happens/ed to mine too. Thing is after about a month or two it seemed to 'calm' itself down and act like it should ( or we think that it should). If you take it in to the dealer let me know what they say. BTW there is a diagnostic mode for the Climate Control sys that can be done by you if you got a maintenace manual. I didnt do that check on mine so...
Old 10-22-2010 | 01:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Les Anderson
Ah ha- this might make sense. I notice it when driving. I live in Miami and the sun is blazing.

I will feel better knowing that the issue is with design and not a specific problem with my car. I will do some testing.
Thanks
Just park somewhere where the sun is blazing right on that sensor (looks like a little round dome, dead center, where the windshield meets the dashboard) and take a piece of cardboard to cover/uncover it. See if that makes the fans "go crazy". It happens to me pretty often here in TX. Sometimes it catches me by surprise because I'll turn a corner and all of a sudden the fans are in my face.
Old 10-22-2010 | 09:02 PM
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It is not the presence of the sun, it is the direction of travel and the temp you have it set on while in Auto mode... That is why it is termed "GPS-Enabled"
Old 10-23-2010 | 08:27 AM
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That's great to know. I also notice (and like) the fans' turning down when I talk on Bluetooth. I assume it is to minimize a wind sound.

Like OP, I live in Florida, but have owned my RDX for 4 months. I've found the auto fan speed and temp terrific. The heated side mirror is great too, to dissipate the morning mist on one side.
Old 10-23-2010 | 09:27 AM
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Guys, the cabin temp sensor is under the dash close to where your right knee rests when you are seated behind the steering wheel! Notice the small vent close to the ignition key area on the dash.
Old 10-24-2010 | 09:15 AM
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Copied from myacura.com

The GPS-linked automatic climate control system further enhances occupants' comfort level by tracking the sun's position and intensity. The GPS* positioning technology monitors the sun's location relative to the car's position while a sensor on the dash measures the sun's intensity. By knowing which part of the cabin is receiving the sun's rays, the system compensates to keep each side of the cabin at its designated temperature. The system is completely automatic and requires no manual adjustments, regardless of outside conditions.
Knowing where the sun is doesn't matter if it is a cloudy day, it uses both the GPS and the light sensor on the dash to determine whether to boost the AC.
Old 10-25-2010 | 09:18 AM
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Wow- seems pretty advanced for something that annoys the hell out of me!

One other question- my system seems to be always on "recycle" when on auto. Is this the case for anoyne else?
Old 10-25-2010 | 10:13 AM
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It is 're-circulate' and if you adjust the temp while in auto mode, it will change to fresh air.
Old 10-25-2010 | 01:21 PM
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Re-circulate is optimal to use when the temp outside is really hot or cold. By using re-circulate you can actually heat up or cool down your car a lot faster as it's not taking the air from outside and having to adjust it at great volumes but taking the air from inside and only having to adjust the temperature a little over time.
Old 10-27-2010 | 08:43 PM
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Thanks a lot guys. Tons of technology packed into this thing. I love it.
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