I have a 98 SE and anytime I have the climate control on "auto" the air
conditioning compressor is engaged continuously and does not cycle on and off like other cars when their A/C is on. Is this normal? If it is, it seems like a waste of fuel. It does this no matter what temperature is selected and it seems logical for it to run the A/C compressor even if a warm setting is chosen so that the A/C can dry the air but I can't imagine that the design would call for the A/C compressor to never cycle on and off. Any thoughts?

 

The A/C compressor in our cars do not cycle.

AUTO will run the compressor anytime the temperature outside is above freezing to dehumidify the incoming air. That keeps the inside of your cabin dry so your windows will never fog up.

ECON is the setting you should use if you want to run the system without the A/C compressor on.

This information can be found in your owners manual.

 

I use auto in the hot summer when I need A/C, otherwise econ.

 

Thanks, I kinda thought that nothing was wrong and I do usually have it in ECON mode but it still seems odd. Can you imagine how many people are out there driving around in AUTO mode using extra gas and getting a lot of mold and mildew in their HVAC system?

 

If always wondered what the diference was. I don't want to steel your thunder but Speaking of auto climate control. My illumination doesn't work on the unit anymore. Everything is plugged in the back. Anybody know?