Does AC turn on automatically in split windshield /floor mode?

One thing I mighta noticed: if I switch from (say) vent, to heat/defog, fan speed goes up, maybe from one blip to two. Like it's programmed to increase flow, due to likely fogging. I wasn't paying close attention though, not sure.

Also, switch to heat/defog (with AC switch off) is my usual first tactic, if we're fogging. It'll sometimes be enough, sometimes not. Then I'll try cracking the windows. If still fogging, THEN I'll hit AC, and that clears it, quickly. All of that says to me is that there was no AC, up till the button push.

Next time we're out I'll make a point to switch over to heat/defog with AC off, see what that XGauge does. I'm pretty attuned to AC though, I'm pretty dang sure it doesn't go on.

OTOH, the last thing I dreamt this morning was doing that test, and the result proved me wrong. A real nightmare, lol.

 

that's in auto, correct?

 

If the fan is on with split mode, AC is on. If the fan is off with split mode, AC is off. This is how I operate my car in winter with vents open so that the windows can be cleared somewhat. On some Hondas, there is a code you can input to turn off AC in split mode with the fan on. I haven't found the equivalent Toyota code if there is one, hence I leave in split mode with fan off. Yes, since modern AC systems are electric, the mpg hit will be minimal. But it's an unnecessary hit if your windows are not fogged. I also turn temperature up all the way to get the benefit of engine heat without turning on the fan.

 

It could be the setup varies depending on the country? Or year?

Addendum: edited showing red text.

 

hmm, we'll need a isa scangauger then. modem is the second to say a/c is on in split mode. that just takes all the fun out of no heat defogging in february.

 

Yup, if we ever fire up ours I'll report back, on what XGauge ACw says. I'll wager a whole wack of left over Halloween candy heat/defog doesn't trigger AC, if it has been switched off. That doesn't say much though, I need to be shut of the stuff...

 

Ok, did grocery run, on auto, except overrode to heat/defog mode, AC button off: XGauge ACw DID show wattage being drawn by AC, 150, 200, zero. It seems to be longer zero, but still happening. Switching back to auto mode (AC button still not on) ACw showed nothing but zero, from then on. And shortly the windshield commenced fogging up, as AC accumulated moisture began to dump, I'd think.

So, the opposite of what I predicted, lol.

 

so your on auto, then override to heat defog mode. what exactly does that mean, manual?

 

Start off with AC button off (no light). Then hit Auto, then Mode button until Heat/Defog mode is showing in LCD.

 

You mean like for the next six months...

 

thanks, what if you start with everything off, put mode in heat defog, no fan? then what if you turn fan on one bar, check again, then turn mode to next position and measure again?

 

Ok, will check. We tend to drive the car every other day, so will take a bit, but will get back on this.

 

Same behaviour, with what you stipulated, Bisco. AC comes on in manually selected Heat/defog mode. No AC in next mode, think it was upper vent mode

 

thanks mendel! is that with fan on and off? i know, i'm a pita.

 

System off, set mode to heat/defog, one click on plus fan speed. Watched that for a while, it was showing varying AC wattages, then over to next mode (upper vent?) and no further AC wattage. So in a nutshell, heat/defog mode causing AC to come on, without indication.

And hey, no problem, I'm at least as interested as you are in this.

 

thanks again! i'm going to have to rethink my strategy. i wonder if it shuts off below a certain outside temp, i tend to use it more when it's cold out. don't really need 40 degrees turned into 35.

 

Yeah, it kinda sucks: you can't direct air at windshield without AC. Any way. ;(

Temp will still stay where you set, anyway; you can have warmed AC air.