Mac

How do I turn on the AC condenser manually to defog the interior when it is cold out (< 0C)?

Mac

Sorry; I should add that it's a 99.5 1.8T. I understand pre-99.5's were different.

Matt

U canīt do it... it will freeze...

Steve

easy, hit defrost on the left side.

yep

you cant if its below 35 degrees

PeteP

Steve's right. That's what defrost button is for.

pauls

Even if you could it wouldn't help much, air is already dry at those temps

Mac

I understand that I could turn on the defrost, but would that really turn on the condenser? The noise from the fan is less than desirable when you do so. And even if it did, it "should" be possible somehow to turn on the AC to defog the interior.

I understand of course that the air in winter is dry, but it isn't necessarily dry inside the cabin with the occupants breath etc. BTW, I don't have the recirculate button turned on, so that isn't the problem.

As far as being told that you "can't" or "shouldn't" do so, it was RECOMMENDED in my old Accord that one use the AC regularly throughout the winter (to keep the compressor motor properly lubricated, if I remember correctly).

Mac

pauls

I've seen a good post somewhere where someone throughly explained AC (maybe in the FAQ) and why it can or can't be used. It only seems logical however that any condensation that would be pulled out of the air at below 32 deg. will cause frost. Actually on the AC units I've seen there is a temp probe in front of the evaporator that detects for these temps precicely for icing protection.

Your right its not necessarily dry inside the cabin but normal ventilation should "normally" take care of that given the ouside air is dry.

And yes it is recommended that you run the compressor year around for at least 5 minutes or so each week for the purposes of lubrication. But at very cold temps you don't have a choice the compressor just won't come on. Or if it does it won't stay on for long, but that may be enough for the lubrication purposes.

Don't really know why your experiencing the moisture inside the car. I've seen it while raining and 45 deg. or so but not at below freezing temps while the heater was on. Might want to try bumping up the fan speed some.

Good luck