Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
news:q8UBf.5548$lb.480662@news1.epix.net:

> Eric G. wrote:
>> "CWD" <wartonchenNOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in
>> news:sHRBf.23066$ve.358502@news20.bellglobal.com:
>>
>>
>>>In winter the Temperature Control is at "warm" (red zone), while turn
>>>the Fan Speed Control from "0" to "1", the A/C light always turns on.
>>>Why? (I thought the A/C is for cooling only)
>>>
>>>Anyone has my situations?
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> I had the same thing happen to me on my 2003 Elantra. It happened
>> for the 3 years I owned the car. The dealer had no clue how to fix
>> it, but acknowledged that it was a legitimate problem, and mine was
>> the only car they had seen it on. We never found a fix.
>>
>> Sorry I can't help more, but at least you know you are not the only
>> one.
>>
>> Eric
>
> Is the control on the Elantra anything like the new Sonata? I've
> found my AC turned on several times, but I'm pretty sure it is because
> I hit the center button inadvertantly while grabbing the dial to
> change the fan speed. The button takes almost no force to push the AC
> on and I think I'm just grazing it with my finger as I reach for the
> speed control. Having it in the center of the speed control **** and
> having it take such little force to actuate is not a smart design.
>
> Is there any chance of this happening on your Elantra or is the
> control completely different from the 06 Sonata?
>
>
> Matt
>

No, it's a completely seperate button on the Elantra, detached from the
fan speed control. And I have done the same on the new Sonata.

Don't worry, the dealer thought I was nuts too. In fact the service
manager didn't even believe the first tech that reproduced it.

The really weird thing is that it seemed to happen even more often as
the temperature dropped.

Eric

 

Eric G. wrote:
> Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
> news:q8UBf.5548$lb.480662@news1.epix.net:
>
>
>>Eric G. wrote:
>>
>>>"CWD" <wartonchenNOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in
>>>news:sHRBf.23066$ve.358502@news20.bellglobal.co m:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>In winter the Temperature Control is at "warm" (red zone), while turn
>>>>the Fan Speed Control from "0" to "1", the A/C light always turns on.
>>>>Why? (I thought the A/C is for cooling only)
>>>>
>>>>Anyone has my situations?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>I had the same thing happen to me on my 2003 Elantra. It happened
>>>for the 3 years I owned the car. The dealer had no clue how to fix
>>>it, but acknowledged that it was a legitimate problem, and mine was
>>>the only car they had seen it on. We never found a fix.
>>>
>>>Sorry I can't help more, but at least you know you are not the only
>>>one.
>>>
>>>Eric
>>
>>Is the control on the Elantra anything like the new Sonata? I've
>>found my AC turned on several times, but I'm pretty sure it is because
>>I hit the center button inadvertantly while grabbing the dial to
>>change the fan speed. The button takes almost no force to push the AC
>>on and I think I'm just grazing it with my finger as I reach for the
>>speed control. Having it in the center of the speed control **** and
>>having it take such little force to actuate is not a smart design.
>>
>>Is there any chance of this happening on your Elantra or is the
>>control completely different from the 06 Sonata?
>>
>>
>>Matt
>>
>
>
> No, it's a completely seperate button on the Elantra, detached from the
> fan speed control. And I have done the same on the new Sonata.
>
> Don't worry, the dealer thought I was nuts too. In fact the service
> manager didn't even believe the first tech that reproduced it.

I don't think you are nuts, I was just looking for any possible
explanation. I thought something was wrong with my Sonata at first, but
then decided it was my finger hitting the button inadvertantly. Sounds
like this isn't a possibility on your Elantra.

Matt

 

Eric G. wrote:
> Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
> news:q8UBf.5548$lb.480662@news1.epix.net:
>
>
>>Eric G. wrote:
>>
>>>"CWD" <wartonchenNOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in
>>>news:sHRBf.23066$ve.358502@news20.bellglobal.co m:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>In winter the Temperature Control is at "warm" (red zone), while turn
>>>>the Fan Speed Control from "0" to "1", the A/C light always turns on.
>>>>Why? (I thought the A/C is for cooling only)
>>>>
>>>>Anyone has my situations?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>I had the same thing happen to me on my 2003 Elantra. It happened
>>>for the 3 years I owned the car. The dealer had no clue how to fix
>>>it, but acknowledged that it was a legitimate problem, and mine was
>>>the only car they had seen it on. We never found a fix.
>>>
>>>Sorry I can't help more, but at least you know you are not the only
>>>one.
>>>
>>>Eric
>>
>>Is the control on the Elantra anything like the new Sonata? I've
>>found my AC turned on several times, but I'm pretty sure it is because
>>I hit the center button inadvertantly while grabbing the dial to
>>change the fan speed. The button takes almost no force to push the AC
>>on and I think I'm just grazing it with my finger as I reach for the
>>speed control. Having it in the center of the speed control **** and
>>having it take such little force to actuate is not a smart design.
>>
>>Is there any chance of this happening on your Elantra or is the
>>control completely different from the 06 Sonata?
>>
>>
>>Matt
>>
>
>
> No, it's a completely seperate button on the Elantra, detached from the
> fan speed control. And I have done the same on the new Sonata.
>
> Don't worry, the dealer thought I was nuts too. In fact the service
> manager didn't even believe the first tech that reproduced it.

I don't think you are nuts, I was just looking for any possible
explanation. I thought something was wrong with my Sonata at first, but
then decided it was my finger hitting the button inadvertantly. Sounds
like this isn't a possibility on your Elantra.

Matt

 

Eric G. wrote:
> Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
> news:q8UBf.5548$lb.480662@news1.epix.net:
>
>
>>Eric G. wrote:
>>
>>>"CWD" <wartonchenNOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in
>>>news:sHRBf.23066$ve.358502@news20.bellglobal.co m:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>In winter the Temperature Control is at "warm" (red zone), while turn
>>>>the Fan Speed Control from "0" to "1", the A/C light always turns on.
>>>>Why? (I thought the A/C is for cooling only)
>>>>
>>>>Anyone has my situations?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>I had the same thing happen to me on my 2003 Elantra. It happened
>>>for the 3 years I owned the car. The dealer had no clue how to fix
>>>it, but acknowledged that it was a legitimate problem, and mine was
>>>the only car they had seen it on. We never found a fix.
>>>
>>>Sorry I can't help more, but at least you know you are not the only
>>>one.
>>>
>>>Eric
>>
>>Is the control on the Elantra anything like the new Sonata? I've
>>found my AC turned on several times, but I'm pretty sure it is because
>>I hit the center button inadvertantly while grabbing the dial to
>>change the fan speed. The button takes almost no force to push the AC
>>on and I think I'm just grazing it with my finger as I reach for the
>>speed control. Having it in the center of the speed control **** and
>>having it take such little force to actuate is not a smart design.
>>
>>Is there any chance of this happening on your Elantra or is the
>>control completely different from the 06 Sonata?
>>
>>
>>Matt
>>
>
>
> No, it's a completely seperate button on the Elantra, detached from the
> fan speed control. And I have done the same on the new Sonata.
>
> Don't worry, the dealer thought I was nuts too. In fact the service
> manager didn't even believe the first tech that reproduced it.

I don't think you are nuts, I was just looking for any possible
explanation. I thought something was wrong with my Sonata at first, but
then decided it was my finger hitting the button inadvertantly. Sounds
like this isn't a possibility on your Elantra.

Matt

 

hyundaitech wrote:
> Two possible reasons:
> 1. The a/c was left on.
> 2. The mode switch is set to defrost. A/C will greatly improve defroster
> efficiency.

"Defogger" yes, "defroster" no.

The A/C dehumidifies that air coming through the vents, which does help
to remove MOISTURE from the INSIDE of the windshield. OTOH, if you have
snow/ice/frost on the OUTSIDE of the windshield, having the A/C on
REDUCES the system's ability to melt it, since it lowers the temperature
of the air coming through the vents and increases the the time it takes
for the air to get warm. In the winter, it just plain sucks!

Unfortunately, '01 and up US-spec Elantras have this dubious "feature"
built in. On '01-'03 cars, snipping a single wire allows for completely
independent A/C control, using the A/C switch. On '05 and up Elantras,
the new control module prevents that simple modification. That's why I
installed a switch in the A/C line that allows me to manually turn off
the compressor when I need maximum efficiency from the defroster or when
I prefer to clear fog from the windshield with heat, rather than cool,
dry air. It also increases my gas mileage when using the defroster.

BTW, when the heater control is set to defog/defrost, the A/C button is
bypassed. Although pushing it will turn the light on and off, the
compressor runs regardless. Interestingly, on Canadian-spec cars, the
A/C switch CAN be used to turn the compressor on and of in defog/defrost
mode.

I have heard that this stupid system is now mandated by the DOT for all
cars sold in the US that are equipped with A/C. Considering that it was
something that could be done manually when necessary, it seems like a
step backward and just another pointless attempt to idiot-proof cars.

 

hyundaitech wrote:
> Two possible reasons:
> 1. The a/c was left on.
> 2. The mode switch is set to defrost. A/C will greatly improve defroster
> efficiency.

"Defogger" yes, "defroster" no.

The A/C dehumidifies that air coming through the vents, which does help
to remove MOISTURE from the INSIDE of the windshield. OTOH, if you have
snow/ice/frost on the OUTSIDE of the windshield, having the A/C on
REDUCES the system's ability to melt it, since it lowers the temperature
of the air coming through the vents and increases the the time it takes
for the air to get warm. In the winter, it just plain sucks!

Unfortunately, '01 and up US-spec Elantras have this dubious "feature"
built in. On '01-'03 cars, snipping a single wire allows for completely
independent A/C control, using the A/C switch. On '05 and up Elantras,
the new control module prevents that simple modification. That's why I
installed a switch in the A/C line that allows me to manually turn off
the compressor when I need maximum efficiency from the defroster or when
I prefer to clear fog from the windshield with heat, rather than cool,
dry air. It also increases my gas mileage when using the defroster.

BTW, when the heater control is set to defog/defrost, the A/C button is
bypassed. Although pushing it will turn the light on and off, the
compressor runs regardless. Interestingly, on Canadian-spec cars, the
A/C switch CAN be used to turn the compressor on and of in defog/defrost
mode.

I have heard that this stupid system is now mandated by the DOT for all
cars sold in the US that are equipped with A/C. Considering that it was
something that could be done manually when necessary, it seems like a
step backward and just another pointless attempt to idiot-proof cars.

 

hyundaitech wrote:
> Two possible reasons:
> 1. The a/c was left on.
> 2. The mode switch is set to defrost. A/C will greatly improve defroster
> efficiency.

"Defogger" yes, "defroster" no.

The A/C dehumidifies that air coming through the vents, which does help
to remove MOISTURE from the INSIDE of the windshield. OTOH, if you have
snow/ice/frost on the OUTSIDE of the windshield, having the A/C on
REDUCES the system's ability to melt it, since it lowers the temperature
of the air coming through the vents and increases the the time it takes
for the air to get warm. In the winter, it just plain sucks!

Unfortunately, '01 and up US-spec Elantras have this dubious "feature"
built in. On '01-'03 cars, snipping a single wire allows for completely
independent A/C control, using the A/C switch. On '05 and up Elantras,
the new control module prevents that simple modification. That's why I
installed a switch in the A/C line that allows me to manually turn off
the compressor when I need maximum efficiency from the defroster or when
I prefer to clear fog from the windshield with heat, rather than cool,
dry air. It also increases my gas mileage when using the defroster.

BTW, when the heater control is set to defog/defrost, the A/C button is
bypassed. Although pushing it will turn the light on and off, the
compressor runs regardless. Interestingly, on Canadian-spec cars, the
A/C switch CAN be used to turn the compressor on and of in defog/defrost
mode.

I have heard that this stupid system is now mandated by the DOT for all
cars sold in the US that are equipped with A/C. Considering that it was
something that could be done manually when necessary, it seems like a
step backward and just another pointless attempt to idiot-proof cars.

 

Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
news:6T1Cf.5563$lb.481888@news1.epix.net:

> Eric G. wrote:
>> Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
>> news:q8UBf.5548$lb.480662@news1.epix.net:
>>
>>
>>>Eric G. wrote:
>>>
>>>>"CWD" <wartonchenNOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in
>>>>news:sHRBf.23066$ve.358502@news20.bellglobal.c om:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>In winter the Temperature Control is at "warm" (red zone), while
>>>>>turn the Fan Speed Control from "0" to "1", the A/C light always
>>>>>turns on. Why? (I thought the A/C is for cooling only)
>>>>>
>>>>>Anyone has my situations?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>I had the same thing happen to me on my 2003 Elantra. It happened
>>>>for the 3 years I owned the car. The dealer had no clue how to fix
>>>>it, but acknowledged that it was a legitimate problem, and mine was
>>>>the only car they had seen it on. We never found a fix.
>>>>
>>>>Sorry I can't help more, but at least you know you are not the only
>>>>one.
>>>>
>>>>Eric
>>>
>>>Is the control on the Elantra anything like the new Sonata? I've
>>>found my AC turned on several times, but I'm pretty sure it is
>>>because I hit the center button inadvertantly while grabbing the dial
>>>to change the fan speed. The button takes almost no force to push
>>>the AC on and I think I'm just grazing it with my finger as I reach
>>>for the speed control. Having it in the center of the speed control
>>>**** and having it take such little force to actuate is not a smart
>>>design.
>>>
>>>Is there any chance of this happening on your Elantra or is the
>>>control completely different from the 06 Sonata?
>>>
>>>
>>>Matt
>>>
>>
>>
>> No, it's a completely seperate button on the Elantra, detached from
>> the fan speed control. And I have done the same on the new Sonata.
>>
>> Don't worry, the dealer thought I was nuts too. In fact the service
>> manager didn't even believe the first tech that reproduced it.
>
> I don't think you are nuts, I was just looking for any possible
> explanation. I thought something was wrong with my Sonata at first,
> but then decided it was my finger hitting the button inadvertantly.
> Sounds like this isn't a possibility on your Elantra.
>
> Matt
>

I wasn't exactly claiming that you were calling me nuts. I really
thought it was something I was doing wrong. Even with the button
seperate, it is potentially close enough that a finger could hit it
while in the neighborhood. I swear I spent months trying to make sure I
didn't do it before I brought it to the dealer and complained. And
there were times (like maybe for a week) that it didn't happen at all.
It was very non-linear as to when or why it happened.

Eric

P.S. - I have since traded that car in for my 2006 Sonata. My wife
still drives her 2002 Elantra and this has never happened in that car.

 

Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
news:6T1Cf.5563$lb.481888@news1.epix.net:

> Eric G. wrote:
>> Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
>> news:q8UBf.5548$lb.480662@news1.epix.net:
>>
>>
>>>Eric G. wrote:
>>>
>>>>"CWD" <wartonchenNOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in
>>>>news:sHRBf.23066$ve.358502@news20.bellglobal.c om:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>In winter the Temperature Control is at "warm" (red zone), while
>>>>>turn the Fan Speed Control from "0" to "1", the A/C light always
>>>>>turns on. Why? (I thought the A/C is for cooling only)
>>>>>
>>>>>Anyone has my situations?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>I had the same thing happen to me on my 2003 Elantra. It happened
>>>>for the 3 years I owned the car. The dealer had no clue how to fix
>>>>it, but acknowledged that it was a legitimate problem, and mine was
>>>>the only car they had seen it on. We never found a fix.
>>>>
>>>>Sorry I can't help more, but at least you know you are not the only
>>>>one.
>>>>
>>>>Eric
>>>
>>>Is the control on the Elantra anything like the new Sonata? I've
>>>found my AC turned on several times, but I'm pretty sure it is
>>>because I hit the center button inadvertantly while grabbing the dial
>>>to change the fan speed. The button takes almost no force to push
>>>the AC on and I think I'm just grazing it with my finger as I reach
>>>for the speed control. Having it in the center of the speed control
>>>**** and having it take such little force to actuate is not a smart
>>>design.
>>>
>>>Is there any chance of this happening on your Elantra or is the
>>>control completely different from the 06 Sonata?
>>>
>>>
>>>Matt
>>>
>>
>>
>> No, it's a completely seperate button on the Elantra, detached from
>> the fan speed control. And I have done the same on the new Sonata.
>>
>> Don't worry, the dealer thought I was nuts too. In fact the service
>> manager didn't even believe the first tech that reproduced it.
>
> I don't think you are nuts, I was just looking for any possible
> explanation. I thought something was wrong with my Sonata at first,
> but then decided it was my finger hitting the button inadvertantly.
> Sounds like this isn't a possibility on your Elantra.
>
> Matt
>

I wasn't exactly claiming that you were calling me nuts. I really
thought it was something I was doing wrong. Even with the button
seperate, it is potentially close enough that a finger could hit it
while in the neighborhood. I swear I spent months trying to make sure I
didn't do it before I brought it to the dealer and complained. And
there were times (like maybe for a week) that it didn't happen at all.
It was very non-linear as to when or why it happened.

Eric

P.S. - I have since traded that car in for my 2006 Sonata. My wife
still drives her 2002 Elantra and this has never happened in that car.

 

Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
news:6T1Cf.5563$lb.481888@news1.epix.net:

> Eric G. wrote:
>> Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
>> news:q8UBf.5548$lb.480662@news1.epix.net:
>>
>>
>>>Eric G. wrote:
>>>
>>>>"CWD" <wartonchenNOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in
>>>>news:sHRBf.23066$ve.358502@news20.bellglobal.c om:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>In winter the Temperature Control is at "warm" (red zone), while
>>>>>turn the Fan Speed Control from "0" to "1", the A/C light always
>>>>>turns on. Why? (I thought the A/C is for cooling only)
>>>>>
>>>>>Anyone has my situations?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>I had the same thing happen to me on my 2003 Elantra. It happened
>>>>for the 3 years I owned the car. The dealer had no clue how to fix
>>>>it, but acknowledged that it was a legitimate problem, and mine was
>>>>the only car they had seen it on. We never found a fix.
>>>>
>>>>Sorry I can't help more, but at least you know you are not the only
>>>>one.
>>>>
>>>>Eric
>>>
>>>Is the control on the Elantra anything like the new Sonata? I've
>>>found my AC turned on several times, but I'm pretty sure it is
>>>because I hit the center button inadvertantly while grabbing the dial
>>>to change the fan speed. The button takes almost no force to push
>>>the AC on and I think I'm just grazing it with my finger as I reach
>>>for the speed control. Having it in the center of the speed control
>>>**** and having it take such little force to actuate is not a smart
>>>design.
>>>
>>>Is there any chance of this happening on your Elantra or is the
>>>control completely different from the 06 Sonata?
>>>
>>>
>>>Matt
>>>
>>
>>
>> No, it's a completely seperate button on the Elantra, detached from
>> the fan speed control. And I have done the same on the new Sonata.
>>
>> Don't worry, the dealer thought I was nuts too. In fact the service
>> manager didn't even believe the first tech that reproduced it.
>
> I don't think you are nuts, I was just looking for any possible
> explanation. I thought something was wrong with my Sonata at first,
> but then decided it was my finger hitting the button inadvertantly.
> Sounds like this isn't a possibility on your Elantra.
>
> Matt
>

I wasn't exactly claiming that you were calling me nuts. I really
thought it was something I was doing wrong. Even with the button
seperate, it is potentially close enough that a finger could hit it
while in the neighborhood. I swear I spent months trying to make sure I
didn't do it before I brought it to the dealer and complained. And
there were times (like maybe for a week) that it didn't happen at all.
It was very non-linear as to when or why it happened.

Eric

P.S. - I have since traded that car in for my 2006 Sonata. My wife
still drives her 2002 Elantra and this has never happened in that car.

 

"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:mo2Cf.5506$Jn1.3358@trndny01...
>
> The A/C dehumidifies that air coming through the vents, which does help to
> remove MOISTURE from the INSIDE of the windshield. OTOH, if you have
> snow/ice/frost on the OUTSIDE of the windshield, having the A/C on REDUCES
> the system's ability to melt it, since it lowers the temperature of the
> air coming through the vents and increases the the time it takes for the
> air to get warm. In the winter, it just plain sucks!
>
Actually, the system is smarter than you might think. There's a temperature
sensor on the evaporator that inhibits the compressor when the evaporator is
close to 0 degrees C. If it's close enough to freezing outside that you have
ice or snow on the windshield, then the compressor is not likely to be
running. Even if it is, the temperature difference as a result of it running
is pretty small. All you are trying to do to melt the ice / frost is to get
the temp. of the glass a little above freezing - that's while you are still
parked. After you are moving, and if the temp. of the air passing over the
evaporator is warm enough, the fact that the air is dried helps keep the
inside of the windshield clear.

 

"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:mo2Cf.5506$Jn1.3358@trndny01...
>
> The A/C dehumidifies that air coming through the vents, which does help to
> remove MOISTURE from the INSIDE of the windshield. OTOH, if you have
> snow/ice/frost on the OUTSIDE of the windshield, having the A/C on REDUCES
> the system's ability to melt it, since it lowers the temperature of the
> air coming through the vents and increases the the time it takes for the
> air to get warm. In the winter, it just plain sucks!
>
Actually, the system is smarter than you might think. There's a temperature
sensor on the evaporator that inhibits the compressor when the evaporator is
close to 0 degrees C. If it's close enough to freezing outside that you have
ice or snow on the windshield, then the compressor is not likely to be
running. Even if it is, the temperature difference as a result of it running
is pretty small. All you are trying to do to melt the ice / frost is to get
the temp. of the glass a little above freezing - that's while you are still
parked. After you are moving, and if the temp. of the air passing over the
evaporator is warm enough, the fact that the air is dried helps keep the
inside of the windshield clear.

 

"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:mo2Cf.5506$Jn1.3358@trndny01...
>
> The A/C dehumidifies that air coming through the vents, which does help to
> remove MOISTURE from the INSIDE of the windshield. OTOH, if you have
> snow/ice/frost on the OUTSIDE of the windshield, having the A/C on REDUCES
> the system's ability to melt it, since it lowers the temperature of the
> air coming through the vents and increases the the time it takes for the
> air to get warm. In the winter, it just plain sucks!
>
Actually, the system is smarter than you might think. There's a temperature
sensor on the evaporator that inhibits the compressor when the evaporator is
close to 0 degrees C. If it's close enough to freezing outside that you have
ice or snow on the windshield, then the compressor is not likely to be
running. Even if it is, the temperature difference as a result of it running
is pretty small. All you are trying to do to melt the ice / frost is to get
the temp. of the glass a little above freezing - that's while you are still
parked. After you are moving, and if the temp. of the air passing over the
evaporator is warm enough, the fact that the air is dried helps keep the
inside of the windshield clear.

 

I agree with you Brian, this feature drives me nuts. It's only under
extreme conditions that you would want to kick the A/C on in order to help with
removing the moisture from the inside of the windshield.
This was also added I believe in part to people not turning on their A/C
in the winter time and causing the seals in the A/C system to crack and ruin the
system. My Acura Integra doesn't have this feature and I usually turn the A/C on
once a month and have never had any problems with the system for 11 years now.
My mother's 99 Accord had this stupid feature, luckily Honda had built
in a feature to enable and disable it (Not sure if the current generation Accord
have the ability to turn it off).


Nick


On Thu, 26 Jan 2006 11:29:22 GMT, Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@verizon.net>
wrote:

>hyundaitech wrote:
>> Two possible reasons:
>> 1. The a/c was left on.
>> 2. The mode switch is set to defrost. A/C will greatly improve defroster
>> efficiency.
>
>"Defogger" yes, "defroster" no.
>
>The A/C dehumidifies that air coming through the vents, which does help
>to remove MOISTURE from the INSIDE of the windshield. OTOH, if you have
>snow/ice/frost on the OUTSIDE of the windshield, having the A/C on
>REDUCES the system's ability to melt it, since it lowers the temperature
>of the air coming through the vents and increases the the time it takes
>for the air to get warm. In the winter, it just plain sucks!
>
>Unfortunately, '01 and up US-spec Elantras have this dubious "feature"
>built in. On '01-'03 cars, snipping a single wire allows for completely
>independent A/C control, using the A/C switch. On '05 and up Elantras,
>the new control module prevents that simple modification. That's why I
>installed a switch in the A/C line that allows me to manually turn off
>the compressor when I need maximum efficiency from the defroster or when
>I prefer to clear fog from the windshield with heat, rather than cool,
>dry air. It also increases my gas mileage when using the defroster.
>
>BTW, when the heater control is set to defog/defrost, the A/C button is
>bypassed. Although pushing it will turn the light on and off, the
>compressor runs regardless. Interestingly, on Canadian-spec cars, the
>A/C switch CAN be used to turn the compressor on and of in defog/defrost
>mode.
>
>I have heard that this stupid system is now mandated by the DOT for all
>cars sold in the US that are equipped with A/C. Considering that it was
>something that could be done manually when necessary, it seems like a
>step backward and just another pointless attempt to idiot-proof cars.

 

I agree with you Brian, this feature drives me nuts. It's only under
extreme conditions that you would want to kick the A/C on in order to help with
removing the moisture from the inside of the windshield.
This was also added I believe in part to people not turning on their A/C
in the winter time and causing the seals in the A/C system to crack and ruin the
system. My Acura Integra doesn't have this feature and I usually turn the A/C on
once a month and have never had any problems with the system for 11 years now.
My mother's 99 Accord had this stupid feature, luckily Honda had built
in a feature to enable and disable it (Not sure if the current generation Accord
have the ability to turn it off).


Nick


On Thu, 26 Jan 2006 11:29:22 GMT, Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@verizon.net>
wrote:

>hyundaitech wrote:
>> Two possible reasons:
>> 1. The a/c was left on.
>> 2. The mode switch is set to defrost. A/C will greatly improve defroster
>> efficiency.
>
>"Defogger" yes, "defroster" no.
>
>The A/C dehumidifies that air coming through the vents, which does help
>to remove MOISTURE from the INSIDE of the windshield. OTOH, if you have
>snow/ice/frost on the OUTSIDE of the windshield, having the A/C on
>REDUCES the system's ability to melt it, since it lowers the temperature
>of the air coming through the vents and increases the the time it takes
>for the air to get warm. In the winter, it just plain sucks!
>
>Unfortunately, '01 and up US-spec Elantras have this dubious "feature"
>built in. On '01-'03 cars, snipping a single wire allows for completely
>independent A/C control, using the A/C switch. On '05 and up Elantras,
>the new control module prevents that simple modification. That's why I
>installed a switch in the A/C line that allows me to manually turn off
>the compressor when I need maximum efficiency from the defroster or when
>I prefer to clear fog from the windshield with heat, rather than cool,
>dry air. It also increases my gas mileage when using the defroster.
>
>BTW, when the heater control is set to defog/defrost, the A/C button is
>bypassed. Although pushing it will turn the light on and off, the
>compressor runs regardless. Interestingly, on Canadian-spec cars, the
>A/C switch CAN be used to turn the compressor on and of in defog/defrost
>mode.
>
>I have heard that this stupid system is now mandated by the DOT for all
>cars sold in the US that are equipped with A/C. Considering that it was
>something that could be done manually when necessary, it seems like a
>step backward and just another pointless attempt to idiot-proof cars.