telco1

I've been leaving the Climate Control on "Full Auto" during these cold days and it has regulated the interior temp fine. On occasion, on sunny days when the interior of the car heats up, I get some cold air coming in that feels like the A/C is on.

My first question is.....are most of you using the Full Auto setting, or are you going to the Semi-Auto setting with only the A/C off during the winter months?

My second question.....do you think that fuel consumption would improve if in Semi-Auto Mode in the winter as opposed to Full Auto? I could experimant myself on this, but just interested in getting some opinions.

Thanks in advance.

leftride

iTrader: (1)

I run full auto 99% of the time, only if I want to defrost (front that is), or turn the fan down for some reason do I take it off auto. I cant really comment on fuel consumption cause I dont vary, but I have had upwards of 27 mpg.

jcg878

I started using the AC Off mode when I noticed that the AC compressor was engaging with temps in the 50s. Now that it's colder, I'll leave it in either mode since the AC doesn't seem to come on <50 degrees (Fahrenheit, of course!).

miner

It is a good idea to run the AC continuosly for 10 minutes during the winter months so the compressor seals can be maintained with the oil in the AC system. I will probably leave on full auto since winters aren't too harsh in the Houston area.

LeMasseHammer

I almost never use Auto mode, mainly because I don't like the A/C running all time time, and the corresponding (slight) loss of power/torque.

I guess the Auto climate control is another luxury feature that I'd like to sell back to Acura for a refund (along with moonroof and heated seats).

I doubt you'll notice any significant change in gas mileage regardless of which mode you use, especially in the winter when it appears that the A/C isn't always running.

It's 75 degrees here in California today, so I'm still running my A/C, on manual mode of course.

majormojo

Like virus7, I use the full Auto setting almost always. I can't tell and don't really care when the A/C is on or off. I don't bother to calculate fuel consumption, so I have no empirical evidence, but my guess is that overall driving habits will have a much greater impact on fuel consumption than A/C operation.

One thing I like about the Auto CC setting in the winter is how it runs the fan at low speed until there is sufficient heat coming in, then it speeds it up. How polite for it to not blast you with cold air first thing in the morning.

onenonlieTSX

I hate driving with the AC running... id rather roll my windows down and enjoy the breeze. The only time I turn it on is when i need to defrost my windows. The main reason for not using AC is the loss of power. IMO, the difference in power is quite significant. I like to have all my ponies on the tap when i need em!

briny319

I do and will continue to have mine on full auto set at 70 degrees.

jcg878

Am I crazy?? Does anyone else think that the car cuts power to the AC system under hard acceleration?? I swear I've noticed it... in a change in air temp coming from the vents AFTER I've floored it.

leftride

iTrader: (1)

I havent really noticed it (I did shut it off one time when I was trying to pass someone), although I do remember my ~140 hp Altima's A/C felt like it cut the hp in half, turning it off felt like a turbo kicked in!

RogerPodacter

I notice a power loss when the AC is on. Its definetly noticeable. thats all i have to say about that.

Iceman

The only time I use Auto is the first 10 minutes of a hot summer day. The thermostat doesn't have enough range (it should go lower than 58). Now, the heated seats are a revelation! That's about all the heat I need!