Hi Everyone-

I've been lurking on these boards for a few months, and I bought my RDX Tech a few weeks ago. Love it, love it, love it. This is my first post, other than my initial sign-in.

I have a question about the climate control system. The owner's manual says that "the system should be off for short periods only." But my wife and I enjoy driving with open windows when the weather allows it (like during this time of year!). The manual doesn't really give a reason as to why it should not be turned off often, other than mentioning that the fan should be running to keep stale air and mustiness from collecting. Obviously, this would not be an issue with open windows.

Does anyone know why they encourage running it virtually at all times?

 

The only two things I've heard discussed are:

1. The AC compressor should be run fairly frequently to keep parts moving, seals lubricated, etc. - even in the winter.

2. Turning off the system limits the fresh air moving through the system and can fog up windows, allow bacteria to grow, etc.

True or not, I don't really know....sorry I don't have anything more definitive.
Mike

 

I think it has more to do with #2. If moisture gets in the system and stays there, it can grow mold or bacteria, which can smell really bad. I am not saying that you should run it all the time, but just once a week, or so.

 

Can't imagine you'd have a problem with the windows open.

 

Thanks for the responses. I kind of figured it was a common sense sort of thing, but I wanted to be sure I wasn't missing anything.

 

I noticed that even when in the off setting the system will blow air sometimes when driving down the highway.

 

I have been getting a "musty" odor when I have the AC on and recirculating the air as opposed to letting outside air in. I asked about this during a service and the tech said to just use the fresh air setting.

Is anyone else smelling this in your RDX?

 

It's possible your cabin air filter may need changing. Once the filter captures enough contaminants it will put musty odor into the air passing through it.

The filter is located behind the glovebox and is easily accessed without tools.

Open the glovebox and unsnap the hook on the right side, then squeeze the glovebox sides together and lower it out of the way. The filter frame has two arrow shaped tabs on each side; push them in and slide out the filter. Put in the new one with the airflow arrows pointing down.

 

I agree. I changed the cabin filter in my TSX early this March, @ 30,000 km or 1.5 years.

Keep this filter changed once a year, and you should not have any issue with odor.

 

Oder build up is common with AC systems that allow moisture to remain in the system when the vehicle is shut down. I shut the compressor off a mile from home and allow fresh air to purge the system, and no oder.

 

Did you notice if the recirculation light comes on if you turn the "auto" temp control feature on?

 

not always

 

Only if there is a big gap between the inside temp and desired temp. When the gap gets smaller, the recirc goes off.