russianDude

Its a 2.0 4cyl engine, how does it compare to other cars with small engines? I thought bigger engine helps when it comes to AC?

4th Acura

The ventilated seats seem to help. Regarding the a/c I would say that My wife hasn’t complained of being colder than usual so far. Haha

Waetherman

Agreed. I think I was expecting more from “auto.”

In my old CRV I never had to recycle air to get the car cold.

DJA123

This is an interesting question. I assume the compressor load is a consideration relative to engine power/torque. Even though we have a relatively powerful output at peak, this engine has the character of a NA 2.0L when off boost. I know newer a/c compressors are often a variable displacement type vs. the older fixed displacement type using an on/off clutch. I don't feel the jerk of the compressor clutching on/off at idle so I'm, again, assuming we have the VDC type. Anyone know for sure? Does a VDC design function more effectively with the split personality of a small turbo engine?

russianDude

yeah, I dont think extra power we get from Turbo helps the AC, its probably sized for regular 2.0 power engine idle.

Midnight Mystery

I don't think displacement has much to do with how well the AC works. Maybe in a small car that only has 100 hp, but still, that might not be the case.

The coldest AC I've experienced was in my old 2001 Camry with a 2.2 I4.... That AC was cold at startu!

DJA123

This is why I think a variable displacement compressor would better adapt to the low and high power situations of a small displacement turbo. The compressor load is less at lower power output, higher when the engine is making more power. In effect, it mirrors the same variable power characteristics as the engine itself.

Someone who actually knows what they're talking about might know differently.

DJA123

Toyota again... I remember my wife's '84 Corolla could likely keep meat fresh for days. But, when that compressor grabbed the little engine, forward motion was more of a hope than fact.

NooYawkuh

The compressor load on the engine is almost imperceptible. Surprising to me for such a small engine. On other cars I've owned. I would sometimes shut off the AC if I needed every HP I could get for merging on the highway. I don't think I've ever done that in the RDX.

I don't think that has anything to do with cooling capacity anyway.

Madd Dog

But you didn’t admit that to her, right? Right?

Unless you wanted something.....

JB in AZ

Right! That would not be a good idea. I just started setting it at 58....we are both cool.

Burger Steak & Eggs

I agree with the consensus here....could be a little stronger. That said, make sure your cabin filter is clean. I throw in a new one every spring regardless of the schedule / dash indication. This is neither expensive nor complex. If the old filter was even remotely dirty, you will notice the improvement after replacing it.

Midnight Mystery

I've never noticed that in any of the cars I've driven. I still do turn off the AC when I want to go fast!

NooYawkuh

I had an '82 Subaru DL hatchback with a 1600 cc engine that defined the term "4-banger". I think it was 97 HP and the AC compressor took about half of that.

It was an excellent engine and tranny but Subarus have never been known for being able to get out of their own way.

Midnight Mystery

Wow that mist have been a "not fast" car. LOL

NooYawkuh

Yes, it was extremely "not-fast".

Midnight Mystery

vealboy

I have set it to 58 now and left it on AUTO, seems to be okay. I guess to be fair My Camry AC's lowest temp was 65 before the setting would read "LO" so IDK maybe its all relative.

One thing I am not sure I understand here is the "Auto Idle Stop" I don't think I know what you mean.

Midnight Mystery

Yep. I don't even believe the temperature on the digital display. It's just a point of reference.

NooYawkuh

When you come to a full stop [at a light], the engine shuts off until you take your foot off the brake. You can disable it using the button by your right knee.

If you don't disable it, and your car doesn't do it, you should see a momentary message on the main display "Auto Engine Shutoff Unavalable", or something like that.

JB in AZ

Add to what NooYawkuh said, and my point about setting it to 58...If you set it to LO, the Auto Idle stop will not function when you come to a stop, in a sense disabling it without having to push that button. (which is what many would prefer) So I set it the first notch above LO, at 58.

So, it was 113 here today, and my wife wanted to go shopping at a new "home furnishings" store that opened. We were in the store for almost an hour, with the RDX sitting in the direct sun, likely at about 123 F. Within a mile or two, it was getting "comfortable" in the car, the vents were providing cold air. I have it set at 58, and adjust the fan speed to make moderate the cabin temp.

BTW, with this much heat load for the A/C to remove the Auto Idle stop doesn't often engage anyway.

DJA123

One of the AIS disable presets is an outside temp over 104°F with the climate control system in use. I'm a little surprised you ever have AIS.

JB in AZ

I didn't realize the 104°F condition. Hmmm. I'll have to check that over the next few days. Thank you for mentioning that.

4th Acura

Is there a outside cold temperature preset to the AIS disable?

DJA123

It's in the owner's manual:

Acure4RDX

Ugotdatrite.
The same procedure applies, with some exceptions, with home central AC.

russianDude

Damn, lucky Canadians get spare tires, folding mirrors, and disabled AIS because its so cold

4th Acura

Lucky us, we also get to drive 6 months a year using snow mode. Our rear camera has a washer jet too.

4th Acura

I hope I don’t have to start a thread “Do you find the heating a little weak...“

R. White

I was driving around yesterday in 92F temps. AC worked fine.

JB in AZ

And yesterday I was driving around in Arizona in 105-110F temperatures and the AC also worked fine.

Dereileak

I was driving around in 97 degree heat in Colorado and had it set to 67, and I was getting cold, and I usually run pretty hot

DJA123

I noticed today -- a muggy upper 80s -- how much colder the air is at highway speeds vs. local roads. I typically keep my hands on the 10 / 2 hand holds and the center vent was directed on my right hand. It was unnoticed until I got on the highway and within a few minutes the air on my hand was suddenly uncomfortably cold. I understand why this would be, I just hadn't noticed this before on the RDX.

Mustachio

The AC in the RDX is very weak! Both the air flow and the air temp. I brought it to the dealership because of it last year and they told me everything was fine. Meanwhile, the AC in my friend's CX-5 and my old Tucson will blow you back in your seat and give you frostbite.

Midnight Mystery

Same in both my 2006 Accord and 2007 RDX.

Honda's AC systems must be set up to rely heavily on fresh air flowing into the condenser in order to cool to it's full effectiveness.

tecwerks

Was driving around in NC, 90 degrees outside, 70% humidity and the AC sucked......

JB in AZ

Ive been driving around Arizona with temps over 110, 45% -50% humidity, and the car is cool inside. At first, i set the temp to 58, or LO if i don't want auto idle stop to engage, with outside air selected. Then. I either set to auto at 68, or moderate the temp with the fan speed. If this doesn't work for you, then you might need to make a dealer visit.

Tom2

Most (if not all at this point) modern cars will automatically put the A/C into temporary bypass mode under full throttle just to allow for maximum engine power. It all happens quickly and automatically, so no need to shut the A/C off on a car that doesn't have a lot of power.

Midnight Mystery

I have a 2019 CR-V loaner right now from the dealer, the AC isn't anything to write home about.

Waetherman

I turned oft the air recirculation the other day just to see if did anything and I swear it got colder...