2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
#61
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Why is this such a big deal......
"cheg" <alarose@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1138724046.667812.27870@g47g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> *** Update ***
>
>>Hello
>
>
>>5 years ago I bought an Accent GSi. I got it in the middle of winter,
> and I noticed that everytime I turned on the defog mode, the a/c light
> would come on. I got the dealership to disconnect that since I was
> under the impression the a/c compressor sucks a lot of gas.
>
>
>>I just picked up my Tuc a few days ago and noticed it does the exact
> same thing. Does the a/c thing affect gas consumption when heat is
> blowing out instead of cold air? Can I disconnect this without having
> to go to the dealership? Should I not bother?
>
>
>>Thanks for your input
>
>
>>Alex
>
>
> Unlike my previous car, I found out this morning that I simply had to
> press the a/c to disengage it! On the Accent, you could press all you
> wanted on the a/c switch but it would always be on. Anyway, I'll be
> testing it in the next few days and keep you all informed.
>
> Again, thanks for the replies!
>
> Alex
>
"cheg" <alarose@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1138724046.667812.27870@g47g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> *** Update ***
>
>>Hello
>
>
>>5 years ago I bought an Accent GSi. I got it in the middle of winter,
> and I noticed that everytime I turned on the defog mode, the a/c light
> would come on. I got the dealership to disconnect that since I was
> under the impression the a/c compressor sucks a lot of gas.
>
>
>>I just picked up my Tuc a few days ago and noticed it does the exact
> same thing. Does the a/c thing affect gas consumption when heat is
> blowing out instead of cold air? Can I disconnect this without having
> to go to the dealership? Should I not bother?
>
>
>>Thanks for your input
>
>
>>Alex
>
>
> Unlike my previous car, I found out this morning that I simply had to
> press the a/c to disengage it! On the Accent, you could press all you
> wanted on the a/c switch but it would always be on. Anyway, I'll be
> testing it in the next few days and keep you all informed.
>
> Again, thanks for the replies!
>
> Alex
>
#62
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Brian..
oh, I forgot to tell ya, I AM FROM CANADA..;-)
Pete..
"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:G1TDf.4030$pO2.1072@trndny09...
> Pete & Cindy wrote:
>> odd I life up north.. and I have NO problem with that at all.. when in
>> defog mode. ya just turn the temp up .. problem solved...
>
> If only it were that simple. I got into a situation in freezing rain where
> the defroster could not keep the windshield clear. Another 10 or 20
> degrees in the temp of the air from the defroster would likely have made
> all the difference in the world. Canadian market Hyundai vehicles allow
> the A/C compressor to be switched off, which tells you something about the
> effectiveness of this dubious "feature" in cold climates.
oh, I forgot to tell ya, I AM FROM CANADA..;-)
Pete..
"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:G1TDf.4030$pO2.1072@trndny09...
> Pete & Cindy wrote:
>> odd I life up north.. and I have NO problem with that at all.. when in
>> defog mode. ya just turn the temp up .. problem solved...
>
> If only it were that simple. I got into a situation in freezing rain where
> the defroster could not keep the windshield clear. Another 10 or 20
> degrees in the temp of the air from the defroster would likely have made
> all the difference in the world. Canadian market Hyundai vehicles allow
> the A/C compressor to be switched off, which tells you something about the
> effectiveness of this dubious "feature" in cold climates.
#63
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Brian..
oh, I forgot to tell ya, I AM FROM CANADA..;-)
Pete..
"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:G1TDf.4030$pO2.1072@trndny09...
> Pete & Cindy wrote:
>> odd I life up north.. and I have NO problem with that at all.. when in
>> defog mode. ya just turn the temp up .. problem solved...
>
> If only it were that simple. I got into a situation in freezing rain where
> the defroster could not keep the windshield clear. Another 10 or 20
> degrees in the temp of the air from the defroster would likely have made
> all the difference in the world. Canadian market Hyundai vehicles allow
> the A/C compressor to be switched off, which tells you something about the
> effectiveness of this dubious "feature" in cold climates.
oh, I forgot to tell ya, I AM FROM CANADA..;-)
Pete..
"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:G1TDf.4030$pO2.1072@trndny09...
> Pete & Cindy wrote:
>> odd I life up north.. and I have NO problem with that at all.. when in
>> defog mode. ya just turn the temp up .. problem solved...
>
> If only it were that simple. I got into a situation in freezing rain where
> the defroster could not keep the windshield clear. Another 10 or 20
> degrees in the temp of the air from the defroster would likely have made
> all the difference in the world. Canadian market Hyundai vehicles allow
> the A/C compressor to be switched off, which tells you something about the
> effectiveness of this dubious "feature" in cold climates.
#64
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Brian..
oh, I forgot to tell ya, I AM FROM CANADA..;-)
Pete..
"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:G1TDf.4030$pO2.1072@trndny09...
> Pete & Cindy wrote:
>> odd I life up north.. and I have NO problem with that at all.. when in
>> defog mode. ya just turn the temp up .. problem solved...
>
> If only it were that simple. I got into a situation in freezing rain where
> the defroster could not keep the windshield clear. Another 10 or 20
> degrees in the temp of the air from the defroster would likely have made
> all the difference in the world. Canadian market Hyundai vehicles allow
> the A/C compressor to be switched off, which tells you something about the
> effectiveness of this dubious "feature" in cold climates.
oh, I forgot to tell ya, I AM FROM CANADA..;-)
Pete..
"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:G1TDf.4030$pO2.1072@trndny09...
> Pete & Cindy wrote:
>> odd I life up north.. and I have NO problem with that at all.. when in
>> defog mode. ya just turn the temp up .. problem solved...
>
> If only it were that simple. I got into a situation in freezing rain where
> the defroster could not keep the windshield clear. Another 10 or 20
> degrees in the temp of the air from the defroster would likely have made
> all the difference in the world. Canadian market Hyundai vehicles allow
> the A/C compressor to be switched off, which tells you something about the
> effectiveness of this dubious "feature" in cold climates.
#65
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Bob wrote:
> "Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:QfTDf.5464$J81.1553@trndny01...
>
>>Pressing the A/C button only toggles the light on the button. I has no
>>effect on the compressor, which remains engaged. That is, unless you're
>>driving a Canadian-spec car.
>>
>
>
> How about this.... Open the hood, and disconnect the connector for the AC
> clutch for the winter. Not as easy as doing it from the dashboard, but
> effective.
Yeah, but that's a rather Draconian method. I prefer to have the option
to use the A/C if necessary. When piling into the car after X/C skiing
or sea kayaking, it's helpful to get the humidity out. It's also good on
days above freezing where fog on the inside of the windshield can be a
problem.
I don't object to using the A/C when it's helpful, I just want to choose
when I use it.
> "Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:QfTDf.5464$J81.1553@trndny01...
>
>>Pressing the A/C button only toggles the light on the button. I has no
>>effect on the compressor, which remains engaged. That is, unless you're
>>driving a Canadian-spec car.
>>
>
>
> How about this.... Open the hood, and disconnect the connector for the AC
> clutch for the winter. Not as easy as doing it from the dashboard, but
> effective.
Yeah, but that's a rather Draconian method. I prefer to have the option
to use the A/C if necessary. When piling into the car after X/C skiing
or sea kayaking, it's helpful to get the humidity out. It's also good on
days above freezing where fog on the inside of the windshield can be a
problem.
I don't object to using the A/C when it's helpful, I just want to choose
when I use it.
#66
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Bob wrote:
> "Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:QfTDf.5464$J81.1553@trndny01...
>
>>Pressing the A/C button only toggles the light on the button. I has no
>>effect on the compressor, which remains engaged. That is, unless you're
>>driving a Canadian-spec car.
>>
>
>
> How about this.... Open the hood, and disconnect the connector for the AC
> clutch for the winter. Not as easy as doing it from the dashboard, but
> effective.
Yeah, but that's a rather Draconian method. I prefer to have the option
to use the A/C if necessary. When piling into the car after X/C skiing
or sea kayaking, it's helpful to get the humidity out. It's also good on
days above freezing where fog on the inside of the windshield can be a
problem.
I don't object to using the A/C when it's helpful, I just want to choose
when I use it.
> "Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:QfTDf.5464$J81.1553@trndny01...
>
>>Pressing the A/C button only toggles the light on the button. I has no
>>effect on the compressor, which remains engaged. That is, unless you're
>>driving a Canadian-spec car.
>>
>
>
> How about this.... Open the hood, and disconnect the connector for the AC
> clutch for the winter. Not as easy as doing it from the dashboard, but
> effective.
Yeah, but that's a rather Draconian method. I prefer to have the option
to use the A/C if necessary. When piling into the car after X/C skiing
or sea kayaking, it's helpful to get the humidity out. It's also good on
days above freezing where fog on the inside of the windshield can be a
problem.
I don't object to using the A/C when it's helpful, I just want to choose
when I use it.
#67
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Bob wrote:
> "Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:QfTDf.5464$J81.1553@trndny01...
>
>>Pressing the A/C button only toggles the light on the button. I has no
>>effect on the compressor, which remains engaged. That is, unless you're
>>driving a Canadian-spec car.
>>
>
>
> How about this.... Open the hood, and disconnect the connector for the AC
> clutch for the winter. Not as easy as doing it from the dashboard, but
> effective.
Yeah, but that's a rather Draconian method. I prefer to have the option
to use the A/C if necessary. When piling into the car after X/C skiing
or sea kayaking, it's helpful to get the humidity out. It's also good on
days above freezing where fog on the inside of the windshield can be a
problem.
I don't object to using the A/C when it's helpful, I just want to choose
when I use it.
> "Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:QfTDf.5464$J81.1553@trndny01...
>
>>Pressing the A/C button only toggles the light on the button. I has no
>>effect on the compressor, which remains engaged. That is, unless you're
>>driving a Canadian-spec car.
>>
>
>
> How about this.... Open the hood, and disconnect the connector for the AC
> clutch for the winter. Not as easy as doing it from the dashboard, but
> effective.
Yeah, but that's a rather Draconian method. I prefer to have the option
to use the A/C if necessary. When piling into the car after X/C skiing
or sea kayaking, it's helpful to get the humidity out. It's also good on
days above freezing where fog on the inside of the windshield can be a
problem.
I don't object to using the A/C when it's helpful, I just want to choose
when I use it.
#68
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Matt Whiting wrote:
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>> Don Allen wrote:
>>
>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>> rate!
>>>
>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>
>>
>>
>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>
>>> Assuming the
>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>> good engineering.
>>>
>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of snow
>> and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>
>
> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting. Then
> again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting thing
> is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan have this
> same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and they both defog
> and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower to start defrosting
> as it has a much larger cast iron engine that takes a while to heat up,
> but once warm it will make the water on the windshield turn to steam
> when you stop at a light.
>
> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's part,
> than a poor idea in general.
It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to choose
>> when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a stock
>> Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and use it
>> only when it's beneficial.
>
> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and automatic
> fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>> Don Allen wrote:
>>
>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>> rate!
>>>
>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>
>>
>>
>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>
>>> Assuming the
>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>> good engineering.
>>>
>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of snow
>> and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>
>
> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting. Then
> again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting thing
> is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan have this
> same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and they both defog
> and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower to start defrosting
> as it has a much larger cast iron engine that takes a while to heat up,
> but once warm it will make the water on the windshield turn to steam
> when you stop at a light.
>
> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's part,
> than a poor idea in general.
It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to choose
>> when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a stock
>> Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and use it
>> only when it's beneficial.
>
> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and automatic
> fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
#69
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Matt Whiting wrote:
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>> Don Allen wrote:
>>
>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>> rate!
>>>
>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>
>>
>>
>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>
>>> Assuming the
>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>> good engineering.
>>>
>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of snow
>> and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>
>
> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting. Then
> again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting thing
> is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan have this
> same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and they both defog
> and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower to start defrosting
> as it has a much larger cast iron engine that takes a while to heat up,
> but once warm it will make the water on the windshield turn to steam
> when you stop at a light.
>
> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's part,
> than a poor idea in general.
It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to choose
>> when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a stock
>> Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and use it
>> only when it's beneficial.
>
> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and automatic
> fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>> Don Allen wrote:
>>
>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>> rate!
>>>
>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>
>>
>>
>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>
>>> Assuming the
>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>> good engineering.
>>>
>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of snow
>> and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>
>
> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting. Then
> again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting thing
> is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan have this
> same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and they both defog
> and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower to start defrosting
> as it has a much larger cast iron engine that takes a while to heat up,
> but once warm it will make the water on the windshield turn to steam
> when you stop at a light.
>
> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's part,
> than a poor idea in general.
It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to choose
>> when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a stock
>> Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and use it
>> only when it's beneficial.
>
> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and automatic
> fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
#70
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Matt Whiting wrote:
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>> Don Allen wrote:
>>
>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>> rate!
>>>
>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>
>>
>>
>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>
>>> Assuming the
>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>> good engineering.
>>>
>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of snow
>> and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>
>
> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting. Then
> again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting thing
> is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan have this
> same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and they both defog
> and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower to start defrosting
> as it has a much larger cast iron engine that takes a while to heat up,
> but once warm it will make the water on the windshield turn to steam
> when you stop at a light.
>
> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's part,
> than a poor idea in general.
It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to choose
>> when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a stock
>> Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and use it
>> only when it's beneficial.
>
> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and automatic
> fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>> Don Allen wrote:
>>
>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>> rate!
>>>
>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>
>>
>>
>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>
>>> Assuming the
>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>> good engineering.
>>>
>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of snow
>> and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>
>
> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting. Then
> again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting thing
> is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan have this
> same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and they both defog
> and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower to start defrosting
> as it has a much larger cast iron engine that takes a while to heat up,
> but once warm it will make the water on the windshield turn to steam
> when you stop at a light.
>
> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's part,
> than a poor idea in general.
It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to choose
>> when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a stock
>> Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and use it
>> only when it's beneficial.
>
> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and automatic
> fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
#71
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>>
>>> Don Allen wrote:
>>>
>>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>>> rate!
>>>>
>>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>>
>>>> Assuming the
>>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>>> good engineering.
>>>>
>>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of
>>> snow and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting.
>> Then again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting
>> thing is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan
>> have this same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and
>> they both defog and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower
>> to start defrosting as it has a much larger cast iron engine that
>> takes a while to heat up, but once warm it will make the water on the
>> windshield turn to steam when you stop at a light.
>>
>> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's
>> part, than a poor idea in general.
>
>
> It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
> Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
> old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
> wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
That could well be the case. Although, my old minivan (96 Plymouth) and
my pickup don't blow a lot of air on the low setting either, but by the
time I got halfway to work (about an 18 mile commute) I had to start
turning down the temp setting unless it was below zero. I can drive the
Sonata all the way to work on the highest temp setting and no be
uncomfortably warm. My 03 minivan (Dodge Caravan) does blow much faster
on all settings than my old minivan or my pickup. It gets uncomfortably
warm in about 7 miles at any OAT above 10 or so.
I'm not sure a higher output blower is necessary as we can always use
the higher speeds. I'm just used to not needing 2 or higher in most of
my vehicles unless it is very cold (below zero) or very humid (car full
of people with wet jackets).
>>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to
>>> choose when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a
>>> stock Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and
>>> use it only when it's beneficial.
>>
>>
>> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
>> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
>> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and
>> automatic fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
>
>
> Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
> seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
> to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
> never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
Are you married? I never owned an automatic until I got married... :-(
I did insist that my wife learn to drive stick, which she did very
willingly. However, I've conceded to buy an automatic for the vehicles
that she drives primarily and a stick only for those I drive primarily.
Compromise is part of marriage, at least successful marriages! :-)
Matt
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>>
>>> Don Allen wrote:
>>>
>>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>>> rate!
>>>>
>>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>>
>>>> Assuming the
>>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>>> good engineering.
>>>>
>>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of
>>> snow and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting.
>> Then again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting
>> thing is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan
>> have this same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and
>> they both defog and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower
>> to start defrosting as it has a much larger cast iron engine that
>> takes a while to heat up, but once warm it will make the water on the
>> windshield turn to steam when you stop at a light.
>>
>> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's
>> part, than a poor idea in general.
>
>
> It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
> Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
> old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
> wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
That could well be the case. Although, my old minivan (96 Plymouth) and
my pickup don't blow a lot of air on the low setting either, but by the
time I got halfway to work (about an 18 mile commute) I had to start
turning down the temp setting unless it was below zero. I can drive the
Sonata all the way to work on the highest temp setting and no be
uncomfortably warm. My 03 minivan (Dodge Caravan) does blow much faster
on all settings than my old minivan or my pickup. It gets uncomfortably
warm in about 7 miles at any OAT above 10 or so.
I'm not sure a higher output blower is necessary as we can always use
the higher speeds. I'm just used to not needing 2 or higher in most of
my vehicles unless it is very cold (below zero) or very humid (car full
of people with wet jackets).
>>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to
>>> choose when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a
>>> stock Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and
>>> use it only when it's beneficial.
>>
>>
>> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
>> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
>> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and
>> automatic fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
>
>
> Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
> seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
> to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
> never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
Are you married? I never owned an automatic until I got married... :-(
I did insist that my wife learn to drive stick, which she did very
willingly. However, I've conceded to buy an automatic for the vehicles
that she drives primarily and a stick only for those I drive primarily.
Compromise is part of marriage, at least successful marriages! :-)
Matt
#72
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>>
>>> Don Allen wrote:
>>>
>>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>>> rate!
>>>>
>>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>>
>>>> Assuming the
>>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>>> good engineering.
>>>>
>>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of
>>> snow and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting.
>> Then again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting
>> thing is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan
>> have this same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and
>> they both defog and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower
>> to start defrosting as it has a much larger cast iron engine that
>> takes a while to heat up, but once warm it will make the water on the
>> windshield turn to steam when you stop at a light.
>>
>> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's
>> part, than a poor idea in general.
>
>
> It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
> Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
> old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
> wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
That could well be the case. Although, my old minivan (96 Plymouth) and
my pickup don't blow a lot of air on the low setting either, but by the
time I got halfway to work (about an 18 mile commute) I had to start
turning down the temp setting unless it was below zero. I can drive the
Sonata all the way to work on the highest temp setting and no be
uncomfortably warm. My 03 minivan (Dodge Caravan) does blow much faster
on all settings than my old minivan or my pickup. It gets uncomfortably
warm in about 7 miles at any OAT above 10 or so.
I'm not sure a higher output blower is necessary as we can always use
the higher speeds. I'm just used to not needing 2 or higher in most of
my vehicles unless it is very cold (below zero) or very humid (car full
of people with wet jackets).
>>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to
>>> choose when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a
>>> stock Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and
>>> use it only when it's beneficial.
>>
>>
>> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
>> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
>> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and
>> automatic fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
>
>
> Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
> seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
> to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
> never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
Are you married? I never owned an automatic until I got married... :-(
I did insist that my wife learn to drive stick, which she did very
willingly. However, I've conceded to buy an automatic for the vehicles
that she drives primarily and a stick only for those I drive primarily.
Compromise is part of marriage, at least successful marriages! :-)
Matt
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>>
>>> Don Allen wrote:
>>>
>>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>>> rate!
>>>>
>>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>>
>>>> Assuming the
>>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>>> good engineering.
>>>>
>>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of
>>> snow and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting.
>> Then again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting
>> thing is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan
>> have this same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and
>> they both defog and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower
>> to start defrosting as it has a much larger cast iron engine that
>> takes a while to heat up, but once warm it will make the water on the
>> windshield turn to steam when you stop at a light.
>>
>> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's
>> part, than a poor idea in general.
>
>
> It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
> Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
> old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
> wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
That could well be the case. Although, my old minivan (96 Plymouth) and
my pickup don't blow a lot of air on the low setting either, but by the
time I got halfway to work (about an 18 mile commute) I had to start
turning down the temp setting unless it was below zero. I can drive the
Sonata all the way to work on the highest temp setting and no be
uncomfortably warm. My 03 minivan (Dodge Caravan) does blow much faster
on all settings than my old minivan or my pickup. It gets uncomfortably
warm in about 7 miles at any OAT above 10 or so.
I'm not sure a higher output blower is necessary as we can always use
the higher speeds. I'm just used to not needing 2 or higher in most of
my vehicles unless it is very cold (below zero) or very humid (car full
of people with wet jackets).
>>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to
>>> choose when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a
>>> stock Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and
>>> use it only when it's beneficial.
>>
>>
>> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
>> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
>> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and
>> automatic fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
>
>
> Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
> seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
> to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
> never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
Are you married? I never owned an automatic until I got married... :-(
I did insist that my wife learn to drive stick, which she did very
willingly. However, I've conceded to buy an automatic for the vehicles
that she drives primarily and a stick only for those I drive primarily.
Compromise is part of marriage, at least successful marriages! :-)
Matt
#73
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>>
>>> Don Allen wrote:
>>>
>>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>>> rate!
>>>>
>>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>>
>>>> Assuming the
>>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>>> good engineering.
>>>>
>>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of
>>> snow and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting.
>> Then again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting
>> thing is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan
>> have this same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and
>> they both defog and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower
>> to start defrosting as it has a much larger cast iron engine that
>> takes a while to heat up, but once warm it will make the water on the
>> windshield turn to steam when you stop at a light.
>>
>> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's
>> part, than a poor idea in general.
>
>
> It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
> Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
> old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
> wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
That could well be the case. Although, my old minivan (96 Plymouth) and
my pickup don't blow a lot of air on the low setting either, but by the
time I got halfway to work (about an 18 mile commute) I had to start
turning down the temp setting unless it was below zero. I can drive the
Sonata all the way to work on the highest temp setting and no be
uncomfortably warm. My 03 minivan (Dodge Caravan) does blow much faster
on all settings than my old minivan or my pickup. It gets uncomfortably
warm in about 7 miles at any OAT above 10 or so.
I'm not sure a higher output blower is necessary as we can always use
the higher speeds. I'm just used to not needing 2 or higher in most of
my vehicles unless it is very cold (below zero) or very humid (car full
of people with wet jackets).
>>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to
>>> choose when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a
>>> stock Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and
>>> use it only when it's beneficial.
>>
>>
>> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
>> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
>> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and
>> automatic fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
>
>
> Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
> seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
> to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
> never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
Are you married? I never owned an automatic until I got married... :-(
I did insist that my wife learn to drive stick, which she did very
willingly. However, I've conceded to buy an automatic for the vehicles
that she drives primarily and a stick only for those I drive primarily.
Compromise is part of marriage, at least successful marriages! :-)
Matt
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>>
>>> Don Allen wrote:
>>>
>>>> This "feature" has been in place with most automobiles since the early
>>>> '90s. However, the majority of vehicles disable the AC compressor
>>>> below a certain temperature not only to protect the compressor due to
>>>> low ambient temps, but also not to degrade the defrosting abililty. In
>>>> my 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES it disables the compressor when the
>>>> outside ambient temp is below 30 degrees F. The AC light is on when
>>>> the outside temp is below 30 degrees, but the compressor is disengaged.
>>>> I haven't tested this on our new 2006 Elantra, but I would be very
>>>> suprised if this is not the case with Hyundai as well. Otherwise, all
>>>> of us who own Hyundai's will be replacing AC compressors at a rapid
>>>> rate!
>>>>
>>>> Turning on the AC in the defrost mode helps the defogging ability of a
>>>> defroster tremendously by removing the interior humidity.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> That's true, but only IF you need it. It's not always necessary.
>>>
>>>> Assuming the
>>>> disengagement of the AC compressor at low temps, this is actually very
>>>> good engineering.
>>>>
>>> The devil is in the details. In the Elantra, it doesn't cut out at a
>>> high enough temp to suit me. It definitely adversely affects the
>>> defroster's ability to keep the outside of the windshield free of
>>> snow and ice, especially when the temp is just below the freezing mark.
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes, I have noticed that my Sonata isn't very good at defrosting.
>> Then again, it isn't very good at heating in general. The interesting
>> thing is that both my 94 Chevy pickup and my 03 Dodge Grand Caravan
>> have this same "automatic" AC in the defrost position feature, and
>> they both defog and defrost exceptionally well. The Chevy is slower
>> to start defrosting as it has a much larger cast iron engine that
>> takes a while to heat up, but once warm it will make the water on the
>> windshield turn to steam when you stop at a light.
>>
>> Personally, I think this is more of poor HVAC design on Hyundai's
>> part, than a poor idea in general.
>
>
> It seems like a large part of the problem is that the fans are anemic.
> Position #4 in the Elantra doesn't blow as much air as position #2 in my
> old Excel did. The air gets hot, but it's not distributed effectively. I
> wonder if there's a higher output blower motor that would fit?
That could well be the case. Although, my old minivan (96 Plymouth) and
my pickup don't blow a lot of air on the low setting either, but by the
time I got halfway to work (about an 18 mile commute) I had to start
turning down the temp setting unless it was below zero. I can drive the
Sonata all the way to work on the highest temp setting and no be
uncomfortably warm. My 03 minivan (Dodge Caravan) does blow much faster
on all settings than my old minivan or my pickup. It gets uncomfortably
warm in about 7 miles at any OAT above 10 or so.
I'm not sure a higher output blower is necessary as we can always use
the higher speeds. I'm just used to not needing 2 or higher in most of
my vehicles unless it is very cold (below zero) or very humid (car full
of people with wet jackets).
>>> Additionally, I object to being FORCED to use the defroster this way.
>>> I used to use the A/C combined with the heater or defroster in my
>>> ex-wifes car WHEN I NEEDED IT, but you don't have the option to
>>> choose when to use it in the Elantra. Well, at least you don't in a
>>> stock Elantra. After the modification I made, I can control mine and
>>> use it only when it's beneficial.
>>
>>
>> Yes, I personally prefer to have more things manual than automatic,
>> which is why I drive a stick shift. However, I have become used to
>> having automatic timing advance, automatic mixture control and
>> automatic fuel injection for cold starts... :-)
>
>
> Sure. I have no objection to true advancements in technology, but it
> seems counterproductive to eliminate the driver's ability to choose how
> to use some systems. Like you I prefer to "row my own" gears and have
> never owned a car with an automatic transmission.
Are you married? I never owned an automatic until I got married... :-(
I did insist that my wife learn to drive stick, which she did very
willingly. However, I've conceded to buy an automatic for the vehicles
that she drives primarily and a stick only for those I drive primarily.
Compromise is part of marriage, at least successful marriages! :-)
Matt
#74
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Matt Whiting wrote:
> Are you married?
Not anymore. :-)
> I never owned an automatic until I got married... :-(
> I did insist that my wife learn to drive stick, which she did very
> willingly. However, I've conceded to buy an automatic for the vehicles
> that she drives primarily and a stick only for those I drive primarily.
> Compromise is part of marriage, at least successful marriages! :-)
Now that I think of it, I can only recall having one girfriend in the
past 20 years who drove a car with an automatic. The rest have driven
manuals. It's not like I planned it that way, but apparently I'm
attracted to the type of women who prefer manual trannys, which I would
categorize as independent, self-reliant and intelligent. Maybe it's just
a New England Yankee thing...
> Are you married?
Not anymore. :-)
> I never owned an automatic until I got married... :-(
> I did insist that my wife learn to drive stick, which she did very
> willingly. However, I've conceded to buy an automatic for the vehicles
> that she drives primarily and a stick only for those I drive primarily.
> Compromise is part of marriage, at least successful marriages! :-)
Now that I think of it, I can only recall having one girfriend in the
past 20 years who drove a car with an automatic. The rest have driven
manuals. It's not like I planned it that way, but apparently I'm
attracted to the type of women who prefer manual trannys, which I would
categorize as independent, self-reliant and intelligent. Maybe it's just
a New England Yankee thing...
#75
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Tucson: question about defrost/defog
Matt Whiting wrote:
> Are you married?
Not anymore. :-)
> I never owned an automatic until I got married... :-(
> I did insist that my wife learn to drive stick, which she did very
> willingly. However, I've conceded to buy an automatic for the vehicles
> that she drives primarily and a stick only for those I drive primarily.
> Compromise is part of marriage, at least successful marriages! :-)
Now that I think of it, I can only recall having one girfriend in the
past 20 years who drove a car with an automatic. The rest have driven
manuals. It's not like I planned it that way, but apparently I'm
attracted to the type of women who prefer manual trannys, which I would
categorize as independent, self-reliant and intelligent. Maybe it's just
a New England Yankee thing...
> Are you married?
Not anymore. :-)
> I never owned an automatic until I got married... :-(
> I did insist that my wife learn to drive stick, which she did very
> willingly. However, I've conceded to buy an automatic for the vehicles
> that she drives primarily and a stick only for those I drive primarily.
> Compromise is part of marriage, at least successful marriages! :-)
Now that I think of it, I can only recall having one girfriend in the
past 20 years who drove a car with an automatic. The rest have driven
manuals. It's not like I planned it that way, but apparently I'm
attracted to the type of women who prefer manual trannys, which I would
categorize as independent, self-reliant and intelligent. Maybe it's just
a New England Yankee thing...