observations and a question or two; A/C and wiper fluid
05-22-2006 | 01:58 PM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: 10-14-2005
Posts: 5,359
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by MikeX
So for my experiment you say do the following:
It's 90 deg outside today, and you say leave the windows up, recirc on, and no A/C light on (do not push the button). The hypothesis is that I will feel cooler air than 90 deg blowing out the vents. Is that correct?
It's 90 deg outside today, and you say leave the windows up, recirc on, and no A/C light on (do not push the button). The hypothesis is that I will feel cooler air than 90 deg blowing out the vents. Is that correct?
It will be MUCH cooler than 90-degrees!
05-22-2006 | 02:00 PM
#12
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 04-30-2006
Posts: 9,149
From: Maryland Heights, MO
Originally Posted by SoCalHHR
Perhaps I can clear things up a bit. From my experience, it appears the HHR's A/C compressor is "always" on when in recirc mode. I have tested it with the A/C button both on and off with no differing results. In fact, with the A/C fan's center button "off" (not illuminated), you can see the idle speeds on the tach change visibly when switching the fan from "off" to "on."
We have very warm spring and summer months here in SoCal, and I most always run with the windows up and A/C on. Never do I push the center of the A/C button to illuminate it. The A/C always works fine (plenty cold!), this way. (and it should not!)
Two things I'd like to see GM change:
1) "Fresh Air" default when starting car. This makes it impossible to cool your car with remote start. Also, here in SoCal, freeway driving with "fresh air" on
is a death sentence! Carbon monoxide poisoning in 30-seconds or less! Owners should have the option to let the fresh/recirc stay in the selected position.
2) Make the A/C compressor "switchable" - as it should be. With "recirc" on, the A/C compressor should not turn on unless the center of the A/C fan switch button is on and illuminated blue. It's on anytime "recirc" is on and the fan is running.
Just my
We have very warm spring and summer months here in SoCal, and I most always run with the windows up and A/C on. Never do I push the center of the A/C button to illuminate it. The A/C always works fine (plenty cold!), this way. (and it should not!)
Two things I'd like to see GM change:
1) "Fresh Air" default when starting car. This makes it impossible to cool your car with remote start. Also, here in SoCal, freeway driving with "fresh air" on
is a death sentence! Carbon monoxide poisoning in 30-seconds or less! Owners should have the option to let the fresh/recirc stay in the selected position.
2) Make the A/C compressor "switchable" - as it should be. With "recirc" on, the A/C compressor should not turn on unless the center of the A/C fan switch button is on and illuminated blue. It's on anytime "recirc" is on and the fan is running.
Just my
Always to the rescue! At least now I know that I was right!
And I agree with the two points that you made, they both should be owner options that we could set our own default for. It could possibly be done through the DIC.
05-22-2006 | 02:09 PM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: 05-03-2006
Posts: 855
From: Los Angeles, CA
I was thinking about the recirc/fresh buttons issue as well. Wouldnt it be as easy as swapping cables around from behind the air console controls? If the cable leading to the fresh air button is tracked down and swapped with the recirc button, wouldnt the recirc button now be the default during startup?
05-22-2006 | 02:16 PM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: 10-14-2005
Posts: 5,359
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by HHR PNOY
I was thinking about the recirc/fresh buttons issue as well. Wouldnt it be as easy as swapping cables around from behind the air console controls? If the cable leading to the fresh air button is tracked down and swapped with the recirc button, wouldnt the recirc button now be the default during startup?
I think this change would require reprogramming of the computer to work.
05-22-2006 | 02:52 PM
#17
Banned
Joined: 10-14-2005
Posts: 9,121
From: Rochester,N.Y.
I can select recirculate without the condenser being on. 
Just put it on the dash vents and hit recirculate. The AC condenser only kicks in automatically when you put it on defrost, just like every other GM vehicle. 
Just put it on the dash vents and hit recirculate. The AC condenser only kicks in automatically when you put it on defrost, just like every other GM vehicle.
05-22-2006 | 03:31 PM
#18
Senior Member
Joined: 04-25-2006
Posts: 428
From: Fort Worth, TX
Originally Posted by captain howdy
I can select recirculate without the condenser being on. Just put it on the dash vents and hit recirculate. The AC condenser only kicks in automatically when you put it on defrost, just like every other GM vehicle.
Just put it on the dash vents and hit recirculate. The AC condenser only kicks in automatically when you put it on defrost, just like every other GM vehicle.
05-22-2006 | 03:57 PM
#19
Senior Member
Joined: 01-13-2006
Posts: 2,999
From: Superior, WI - Over the Hill Warranty Club member
I am thinking that I saw in the manual the recirc only works with the ac on.. Not positive but check it out. I am not home this week to check my manual again. and my S-10 blew the AC compressor in -5 degree weather when the AC pump was on in the defrost mode. Trust me on this one $36.00 and a new belt later. Plus a new A/C Air Compressor
05-22-2006 | 03:58 PM
#20
Senior Member
Joined: 04-25-2006
Posts: 428
From: Fort Worth, TX
Originally Posted by SoCalHHR
Correct, as long as you turn the FAN switch on (rotate it clockwise), the A/C will come on if the vent switch is set to "recirc."
It will be MUCH cooler than 90-degrees!
It will be MUCH cooler than 90-degrees!