Running the AIR CONDITIONER during winter.

[Trdsupranick]

Hey there!

Can someone explain to me the benefits of running the AC during the winter. I have heard it is a good thing for maintenance. What is the reason? Does every 4runner person do this?

 

[Trdsupranick]

What are the instructions .....how long do you run if for??

 

[drmorbius]

What are the instructions .....how long do you run if for??

It keeps the system lubed, but don't worry about it because the AC comes on when you are using the heater to keep the temp you have set stable and to dry the air.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

It keeps the system lubed, but don't worry about it because the AC comes on when you are using the heater to keep the temp you have set stable and to dry the air.

:iagree: In older cars it was important to be proactive. Now the compressor tries to run everytime you select a defrost mode. (Floor/windshield or just windshield)

It won't engage when it's really really cold with cold underhood temps. The low-pressure cutout will prevent it. Once it warms up under the hood it'll start cycling...


:cheers:

 

[97hb]

The pag oil in your compressor must be cycled at least once a month per you owners manual to keep lubrication good.

 

[4runr30]

I dont know how many others are like me but I have the A/C on even when its 20 degrees outside. The climate control is set to 72 in the cabin, but with out the A/C set to on it feels like it blows air that is 120 degrees.

 

[Mike07SE]

When you have the system on Auto, there's a reason why the A/C system stays active. The computer is cycling the compressor to move the oil and refrigerant through the system to keep it maintained. Also, it also helps in being able to remove moisture from the air in the cabin to help defrost.

 

[nated05]

During the winter I usually just hit the auto button then hit the AC button to turn it off. My reasoning is why the heck do I need AC during the winter. I didnt realize this was for maint. purposes, maybe I should just leave it on.

 

[andyman32392]

I dont know how many others are like me but I have the A/C on even when its 20 degrees outside. The climate control is set to 72 in the cabin, but with out the A/C set to on it feels like it blows air that is 120 degrees.

I know exactly what you meen even at about 40 it blows ridiculously hot air when set at 72.

 

[pipspeak]

I only run my AC every now and then thanks to the mild climate here -- much prefer fresh air. But in winter it's useful to get excess moisture out of the cabin.

The Auto setting is a waste of time IMO -- having the computer control fan speed is just plain annoying most of the time and as soon as you turn down the fan you're out of auto.

 

[Fishy1]

I know exactly what you meen even at about 40 it blows ridiculously hot air when set at 72.

OK so why does this happen????...I agree the temp numbers on the display are useless...I have a 07- 4 runner:awais: :awais: :awais:

 

[EH007]

During the winter I usually just hit the auto button then hit the AC button to turn it off. My reasoning is why the heck do I need AC during the winter. I didnt realize this was for maint. purposes, maybe I should just leave it on.

It's not really running for maintenance purposes. Most people don't realize that the defroster runs the compressor just like the A/C does. One of the basic functions of A/C is to remove humidity from inside the passenger compartment. And that's the same thing the defroster does, so that's why is used the A/C compressor when the defroster is turned on.