Does anyone else think the air conditioning is a little weak in the RDX....
#43
2020 RDX White/Espresso
In my old CRV I never had to recycle air to get the car cold.
#44
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Midnight Mystery (07-04-2020)
#45
Suzuka Master
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?
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Midnight Mystery (07-05-2020)
#46
Null and proud of it
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!
The coldest AC I've experienced was in my old 2001 Camry with a 2.2 I4.... That AC was cold at startu!
#47
Someone who actually knows what they're talking about might know differently.
#48
Last edited by DJA123; 07-05-2020 at 02:37 PM.
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Midnight Mystery (07-05-2020)
#49
Skeptic
I don't think that has anything to do with cooling capacity anyway.
#52
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.
#53
Null and proud of it
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.
I don't think that has anything to do with cooling capacity anyway.
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!
#54
Skeptic
It was an excellent engine and tranny but Subarus have never been known for being able to get out of their own way.
#55
Null and proud of it
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.
It was an excellent engine and tranny but Subarus have never been known for being able to get out of their own way.
Wow that mist have been a "not fast" car. LOL
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NooYawkuh (07-07-2020)
#56
Skeptic
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Midnight Mystery (07-07-2020)
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NooYawkuh (07-07-2020)
#58
Intermediate
One thing I am not sure I understand here is the "Auto Idle Stop" I don't think I know what you mean.
#59
Null and proud of it
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.
One thing I am not sure I understand here is the "Auto Idle Stop" I don't think I know what you mean.
#60
Skeptic
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.
#61
Drifting
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.
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.
Last edited by JB in AZ; 07-12-2020 at 06:28 PM.
#66
Be the Best Be Great
Join Date: Sep 2019
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Of course. More cool air into the cabin cools it faster. If the rear vents are not open, you'll never get the cabin cool on a really hot day.
Anybody should check it before complaining about the AC. Several here have noticed they were apparently closed since they got the car from the dealer.
Anybody should check it before complaining about the AC. Several here have noticed they were apparently closed since they got the car from the dealer.
The same procedure applies, with some exceptions, with home central AC.
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Midnight Mystery (07-19-2020)
#73
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.
#74
Instructor
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.
#75
Null and proud of it
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.
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.
#76
Was driving around in NC, 90 degrees outside, 70% humidity and the AC sucked......
#77
Drifting
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.
#78
Unregistered Member
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.
I don't think that has anything to do with cooling capacity anyway.
#80
2020 RDX White/Espresso
I turned oft the air recirculation the other day just to see if did anything and I swear it got colder...
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Midnight Mystery (08-06-2020)