At what point/temp does the Air conditioning kick in....obvious on the "Low" temp setting it is on, but at what temp is the threshold? Is it still on when i set it at 70 on a 75 degree day? I live in maine and really dont use it that much, but often like fresh air other than the windows. Also, is it true what they say "use it or loose it"?

Thanks Gman
2001A4 1.8TQ

 

I don't know what temperature it comes on exactly. I think the climate control turns it on, when it has a hard time regulating the desired temperature perhaps? And yes, it is good to run the A/C once or twice a month to keep it working.

 

so if you have the snowflake on, that doesnt mean the a/c is on?

 

When you use your front defroster, the A/C compressor is on.

 

what about other air sources? im pretty sure this is a temp setting issue. I know the power drain is pretty minimal when the AC is on, but i would like to know at what point the compressor kicks in. I have no "snowflake" but many cars do..or even a seperate AC button, but basically i know it's on when i put the temp on low and is on at higher temps as well. When in the "off" position, i know no air is being pushed through and the compressor is definately on, but at what point does it actually kick in?
Thanks

2001 A4 1.8QTM

 

It depends on what your ambient outside temp is and what you have the climate control set to. There are two temp sensors, one inside the cabin and one in front of the condensor just below the inside of the front bumper.

 

I think on some models, there may even be a sunlight monitor, which integrates the additional cabin heating due to direct sunlight, as well as the difference between the cabin temperature and the temperature at whcih the interior is set

 

ok. if i dont know what temp or sensor actually engages it, how can i tell if its on...other than feeling the slight power drain.

Basically all i want to do here is run some air through the car without engaging the AC compressor. Since I(we) dont have as seperate switch to engage the AC how do i know?

thanks again all

 

yeah theres actualy two interior sensors one in the dash and one in the headliner

 

If you don't want the compressor, push the economy button. This essentially turns off the compressor.