Is there a way to set the A/C to automatically be off when the car starts? Most of the time I don't want the A/C running and noticed I have to shut it off. That is a problem because the A/C is starting up momentarily when the air is first turned on. I don't want the added strain on the A/C motor due to coming on every time.

 

good question, check the manual.

 

Yeah if you hit the A/C button it overrides the automatic control. If you push it once, it says "A/C off" on the display, and it won't ever go on automatically.

I heard that it's good to let the A/C run at least periodically as opposed to letting it sit unused for long periods of time.

 

Eli is correct. I leave my off ever since I picked it up a few weeks ago from the dealer (it's starting to get cold here in the Northeast). Yes, you do want to run it from time to time as the refridgerant has a lubricant in it and that's what keeps all the rubber bushings, gasket, what have you, from cracking or drying up. This is true for any car.

 

I really don't think people have to worry about running the A/C to lube it up, unless you live in a dry state where you are most likely using the A/C anyway. If you are using the front defroster which would be in a non dry state, if it is raining or really humid the A/C turns on when you push the defroster button. So it is very unlikely that someone will go through 2-3 months without using the A/C unless they're hypermiling and in that case it's a different story. One thing it does say in the manual is To keep stale air and mustiness from collecting, you should have the fan running at all times.

 

Just a random question kind of related - when driving or more when idling at a light, do you hear and feel (very slightly) the compressor coming on and off, when using Auto Climate control? or is that something else I am hearing come on and off every little while? fan? blower? something?

Any thoughts or help?

 

Yeah it's probably the compressor cycling.

 

But is that normal? Im coming from 05 Cavalier (so yes day and night) but like I never even used to feel it come on and off in that unless I was idling in a hot summer day and the temp would get up ..then the fan would come on to cool the engine down

Sorry for the noob question

 

I think you're feeling the compressor clutch engage. Yes, I believe it is normal since I can feel it in many Acuras. Could it be more 'refined' ..... YES! But I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

Thank you!!

Just want to be sure my car is like others!!

 

So I guess there is no way to default to "AC off," right? I turned the car off with AC off. The next time I turned it back on it was back to auto (nothing displayed for AC). I assume at this setting the AC will come on if it detects high humidity levels in the car, but there is not really a way to know if its on at any given time. I don't hear the compressor at all.

Here's what the manual says:
"Air Conditioning (A/C) Button
This button turns the air conditioning on and off. You will see A/C ON or A/C OFF in the display (in the center display on models with navigation system).

When you turn the A/C off, the system cannot regulate the inside temperature if you set the temperature control below the outside temperature."

It doesn't tell me anything I didn't already know.

 

That's not true. On my 09 AWD Base, it's off and it stays off.

1. Start car.
2. Turn A/C off but you can leave your fan speed to whatever.
3. Shut car off.

Next time you start the car your A/C should be off. Do not touch Sync or the climate control system.

 

I think it's normal. It does so less frequently when the temperature inside the car equilibrates to what's set by the driver/passenger.

 

I was going to make a thread on this as I dont understand why the AC goes on when I put the heat on. I drove around and I noticed less gas mileage and sure enogh I had to hit AC off even though the temp was on high. Im sure there is a reason, I just have to be aware and remember to turn it off.

 

Compressors also act as dehumidifiers. So, just because the air is warm doesn't mean you wouldn't want it to be less humid as well.

 

Also if you have the tech package the settings are linked to the smart key. So if you started the car with the other key, it may explain why the settings were different than before.

 

This works if you leave the fan on when you turn the engine off. I always turn the fan and other electronics off before turning the engine off.

 

Hmmm...interesting. Come to think of it I do leave the fan where it was last set to but never off. That's probably why it works for me!

 

Doesnt the slight jerk of the compressor going on and off bug people? I notice it more when stopped at traffic lights..the slight jerk is what bugs me..

 

It bothered me at first but I am sought of use to it now. It almost feels like someone has bumped you in the back.

 

Exactly - find it so annoying, don't get how they couldn't avoid that in such a nice car.

 

Me too... it really bothers me.. but what can you do? My other car is Lexus RX330, and the compressor on/off is noticable, but the car doesn't jerk like the TL. Does all Acura have this "feature"?

 

You'd think cars would use electric a/c compressors instead of leeching off the engine constantly, then they could run them at variable speeds depending on demand. They already have electric power steering, seems like an obvious thing to do.

 

Most if not all Automatic climate control systems always run the A/C even with the heater on. This gives the system pinpoint accuracy in regulating the climate by reducing the humidity levels and having perfect cold and hot temperatures to mix in order to achieve the desired temperature.

 

Not surprisingly, here in Honolulu I run A/C all the time. By setting the temp control to "LO" and the fan speed to manual, I do not get the compressor cycling on and off.