Hawkeye D

Hi all,

With the recent warmer weather (here and there!) I have been using my A/C a bit more for cooling the cabin.

I often use it for demisting all year round and it works a treat.

However, not that my A/C is faulty, but does anyone know how to override the way it comes on in short blasts and goes back off again?

Subaru did this for emissions etc, but at £475 a year road tax, I'd like the choice of having my A/C on permenantly thanks!

It's sort of ok at the moment, but when it's really hot weather, it just doesn't come through for long enough to keep the cabin as cool as I would like - plus leather seats etc.

I would say the average blast is only maybe 5-7 seconds - tops.

The air is lovely and cold, but not for long enough.
My blob never did this (I don't think?), mine's a Hawk Spec D 07 plate.

Does anyone know a trick to get round this?

Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

This is due to lack of heat load, this is controlled by two sensors, one which is on the dash (solar gain) and the second is the cabin temp controller.
Mine does the same, when I got the cabin hot then put the ac on no issues.
If there is an answer on this I would like to know also.

Hawkeye D

You mean the dash monted sensor in the middle by the windscreen and the small vent near the dials?

Beastie

iTrader: (2)

Have you tried both modes?

2nd mode press AC button for about 2 seconds until amber light flashes.

Hawkeye D

This rings a bell, I'm sure i've tried it ages ago, what does it mean when it's flashing?

chopperman

Now this has perked my interest. I was unaware of it having different modes.

Beastie

iTrader: (2)

I think flashing is economy mode. Its worth a try although it might be no different.

Also put the system in recirc and drop the dial temp by a few degrees.

Then it should be more stable and cold.

Remember the older cars where you just put the temp controller to cold and pressed the on button.

Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

One of the problems are is that the controller will not go lower than 20c and if the cabin temp is lower than this and no high solar gain the ac will be on/off approximate every 10 seconds. Placing the system on recirc will only make it worse as you are recirculating cold air at low temp, even though this is the recommended way of ruining the system, with the recirc off and pulling in higher temp air before is cooled does help.
It is all about heat load and the system is designed for the warmer climate.
Will try the 2 second button push on mine later to see if it does anything.

Inviroman

iTrader: (2)

Tried the 2 second button push on my Bug, does nothing.

Hawkeye D

Got the A/C button to flash on my Hawk, I think it's some sort of auto setting looking at the handbook, but still the compressor only kicks in for 4-5 seconds and goes off again.

The button flashes twice and the light then stays on.

GeeDee

iTrader: (2)

I'll check mine on the way home. I've never noticed it going on and off when the internal temp is much warmer than outside or when turned right down.

Just a thought - I believe the a/c is programmed to turn off on full throttle.

Ved

Econ mode you say....?

...off to look in the Subaru book of blob....

Ved

Nuts. Must only be on the Hawks onwards.

DantheMan2605

IIRC holding the ac button puts it into auto mode. Note. This controls the ac not the fans or vent distribution. That's why the other 2 dials have auto on them.

From what I can remember, it'll turn the ac on and off aswell as recircing the air automatically.

The small sensor underneath the dials plays more of a control when in auto. I had mine out a few weeks ago and it was blocked solid with dust.

I noticed my ac stopping and starting constantly and only found it because the dash was out for plastidipping

You'll have to re hold the button every time you put the key in too.

Just my 2p worth whilst I was playing with it.

Now I just open a window.