automatic climate controls- how useful is it really?
- Thread starter arouth
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
4Runner4UGA
New member
I like it sometimes and then other times I think that I could do a much better job with just a slider or dial. I think that it leaves the fan on too high and now that it is winter (well a little where I am) It turns it from floor to in your face for no reason, at least that I can tell.
tkr128
New member
I don't like the one on my 4Runner, it almost drives me insane getting it just right. It works decently when it's hot though. Sometimes, I just adjust everything manually. The one on my sister's Accord is much better, it's more "friendly." I guess I'm glad I have the feature, but wish Toyota could have designed it a bit differently.
Auto Climate Control
This gets my vote as the least desirable feature on our '03 Limited. In the summer, it insists on switching into recirculate mode when the cabin temp is above ambient, even if the A/C compressor is turned off. And this behavior can't be disabled by switching to manual mode!
In auto mode, it defaults to having the A/C compressor running at all times, even in the winter when ambient temps are in the teens! At least, the compressor can be manually turned off while the system remains in auto mode.
I'm reasonably pleased with the system's cold-weather auto mode performance, and generally leave it on. However, the auto mode's choices of fan speed, recirculate and air outlets are just plain bizarre in hot weather, and I keep it in manual mode during the summer.
IMHO, this feature should be completely redesigned. For an example of a good-working auto climate control, Toyota should test a BMW 5-series, not all that much more expensive than our 4Runner but with a climate control system that really works!
This gets my vote as the least desirable feature on our '03 Limited. In the summer, it insists on switching into recirculate mode when the cabin temp is above ambient, even if the A/C compressor is turned off. And this behavior can't be disabled by switching to manual mode!
In auto mode, it defaults to having the A/C compressor running at all times, even in the winter when ambient temps are in the teens! At least, the compressor can be manually turned off while the system remains in auto mode.
I'm reasonably pleased with the system's cold-weather auto mode performance, and generally leave it on. However, the auto mode's choices of fan speed, recirculate and air outlets are just plain bizarre in hot weather, and I keep it in manual mode during the summer.
IMHO, this feature should be completely redesigned. For an example of a good-working auto climate control, Toyota should test a BMW 5-series, not all that much more expensive than our 4Runner but with a climate control system that really works!
Thai
Elite Member
I don't use the AUTO setting that often...fan is always too much (or that i am too cheap).
Anyway, neither my 4runner nor my BMW have a good AUTO function...both have fan speed too high. Unlike khaug, i think my Toyota AUTO works more conservatively than BMW's (thus, more to my liking).
Anyway, neither my 4runner nor my BMW have a good AUTO function...both have fan speed too high. Unlike khaug, i think my Toyota AUTO works more conservatively than BMW's (thus, more to my liking).
First, great board! Thanks for all the hard work and cash I know it took!
Our 2K 528i actually has its own climate-control problems. If you leave the system in full auto mode, it'll frequently ramp the fan speed up to 747-on-takeoff level and leave it there forever. I finally discovered that the fan speed can be controlled manually while the rest of the system stays in auto mode. This is a much more satisfactory solution for me, and I'm very pleased with the system when used this way.
Enjoy your E46. I presume you've figured out that the front brake air scoops come from the factory with blocking plates that need to be removed if you're doing any serious driving. I've been in two E46 M3s as an instructor, and they are impressive cars!
Our 2K 528i actually has its own climate-control problems. If you leave the system in full auto mode, it'll frequently ramp the fan speed up to 747-on-takeoff level and leave it there forever. I finally discovered that the fan speed can be controlled manually while the rest of the system stays in auto mode. This is a much more satisfactory solution for me, and I'm very pleased with the system when used this way.
Enjoy your E46. I presume you've figured out that the front brake air scoops come from the factory with blocking plates that need to be removed if you're doing any serious driving. I've been in two E46 M3s as an instructor, and they are impressive cars!
Thai
Elite Member
Karl, yup, i know about those braking duct plates. However, since i don't go to the track often (not at all in fact), i did not remove them. The plates block dust and debris from getting to the disc brakes...so i find that more useful for my daily needs.
You're right. I leave my BMW system in AUTO mode, BUT decrease the fan speed. I find that cool, but kinda takes away from the "auto" function.
Thanks for the compliment.
You're right. I leave my BMW system in AUTO mode, BUT decrease the fan speed. I find that cool, but kinda takes away from the "auto" function.
Thanks for the compliment.
my two cents on the auto climate...never could use it in the summer as it blasted the fan seemingly forever. I tried to wait it out a couple times to see how long it would be, but it either drove me nuts and I switched to manual mode or got to my destination first.
It works much better it heating conditions. It really shines once the vehicle inside is warmed up. Sometimes the fan blasts a little too long at first but I simply bump the temp down to 67 or 68 and the fan immeditely cuts back. I do wish you had the option of choosing where the air blows from- in auto mode. You can't...it has a mind of it's own.
Girlfriend has a 3 series...auto climate is strange in that! Either it's messed up or you really have to study the owner's manual. Not user friendly at all, and does really bizarre things.
It works much better it heating conditions. It really shines once the vehicle inside is warmed up. Sometimes the fan blasts a little too long at first but I simply bump the temp down to 67 or 68 and the fan immeditely cuts back. I do wish you had the option of choosing where the air blows from- in auto mode. You can't...it has a mind of it's own.
Girlfriend has a 3 series...auto climate is strange in that! Either it's messed up or you really have to study the owner's manual. Not user friendly at all, and does really bizarre things.
