4.3 Air Con In Winter

[Airbusfan]

Hi

Long time reader but first post here.

I took my SR180 into my local dealer to get two new rear tyres fitted and he pointed out that the air conditionng was not working. I responded that I didnt think it should at ambient temperatures around zero or below so as to protect the compressor etc. (I think this is tha case on Ford AC systems). He said that it should always work.

Looking in the car manual there is no reference to a minimum temperature so I guess he is correct. As they want the car for two or three days to investigate further (having had it for a couple of hours yesterday), I thought some advice from the forum would be useful.

Many thanks in advance.

[local hero]

Hi Airbusfan + congrats on your first post Yes my AC is on most of the time, I don't always understand this but its main function in winter seems to be as an aid to de-misting the windows, mine springs in to life as soon as i put the frt screen de-mister on, I find the vagaries of the climate control a bit confusing but one way and another always seem to achieve the climate i want (other than warm feet + a cool face which doesn't appear to be an option) and I've yet to work out how it can achieve 30dgrs on my wifes side and 17dgrs on my side only 12" apart, but yes your dealer is right A/C should be at least available all the time Stew.. P.S. as you have an SR 180 I assume its being done under warranty

[anchorman]

To get the mapped out distribution you should set it to the temperature that feels most comfortable (usually around 21) and set it to auto. It will do everything else on its own. It will start by having the distribution set to the feet and the screen. After a while it will change to feet only then later still it will introduce fresh air to the face level vents.

It takes a while though especially from low temperature.

[MarsKy]

Running it in winter will also keep the air con system lubricated (it's expensive to replace).

[igormus]

hi mate

agree wit posters.

as for me- i used to switch A/C on in AUTO mode all the times; set +21,5 C and unit thinks what should be done to keep the same set temperature. I used to have an air recirculating mode and very seldom to get air directly -- it safe the life time of filter insert and finally money even for filter insert. Cheers/Igor

[Airbusfan]

Thanks for your help.

As far as I recall, on the Ford, the climate control gives all the appearance of running (e.g. correct lights on the control panel) but the air is not actually being cooled or dehumidified because the compressor does not run below around 2 C. Thats why I thought the RAV may be doing the same. Then again, a dealer would know that!

I believe there is a sensor/actuator test routine that can be run. Must find some info and give that a go.

It will be Warranty job unless a stone has gone through a vital part. Only snag is they want the car for 2-3 days having had it for half-a-day already.

[igormus]

Thanks for your help.

As far as I recall, on the Ford, the climate control gives all the appearance of running (e.g. correct lights on the control panel) but the air is not actually being cooled or dehumidified because the compressor does not run below around 2 C. Thats why I thought the RAV may be doing the same. Then again, a dealer would know that!

I believe there is a sensor/actuator test routine that can be run. Must find some info and give that a go.

It will be Warranty job unless a stone has gone through a vital part. Only snag is they want the car for 2-3 days having had it for half-a-day already.

i think the brand has already thank about how to use A/C all year round independently on the outside temp of an air.

the matter is an refrigerating oil is circulated thru the system along with 134a gas and when passed thru throttle valve its temp is being degreased less then -2 C stated above. i think you should not be worry about. cheers/Igor

[Davrav]

Thanks for your help.

As far as I recall, on the Ford, the climate control gives all the appearance of running (e.g. correct lights on the control panel) but the air is not actually being cooled or dehumidified because the compressor does not run below around 2 C. Thats why I thought the RAV may be doing the same. Then again, a dealer would know that!

I believe there is a sensor/actuator test routine that can be run. Must find some info and give that a go.

It will be Warranty job unless a stone has gone through a vital part. Only snag is they want the car for 2-3 days having had it for half-a-day already.

Mine had a similar problem and required a new heater matrix [after they had swopped out out the control unit first which took one day]. To access the matrix the whole dash has to be removed and, in all, that took four further days. As Anchorman mentioned once, Toyota seemingly start with the heater and build the car around it.

If it is the matrix that has to be replaced on yours, check ALL the dash parts, trims and radio plus the A pillar trims for any marks and correct fit. I was not impressed with the re-assembly attempt and have since re-fitted a lot of it myself to get alignments correct and sort out creaks and rattles. I also had to insist that the A pillar covers were replaced [@ £80+ each ] as these kept falling off after the work.

Good luck

EDIT: Just found this test routine, information provide by Anchorman.

If you want to check all the servos just press and hold the "auto" and "Recirc" buttons together and the heater will enter its self check mode. Press the auto button and the heater will test cycle through all its various settings. Press the auto button again and if there are any faults it will give you a 2 digit code

Hope that helps

[local hero]

Thanks for your help

It will be Warranty job unless a stone has gone through a vital part. Only snag is they want the car for 2-3 days having had it for half-a-day already.

Ask for a courtesy car, you might have to book one in advance Stew