I very rarely run the A/C. Whenever it comes on, if it is not really hot out, I shut it off. The reason I do it is because of the power it steals. I thought that there was some intelligence in the car that could reduce the power to the A/C if you step on it but I am not sure.

The A/C compressor in my Stealth had to be replaced because I did not use it enough. The dealer told me that the seals were not lubed frequently enough(it ended up leaking). I don't want to have this problem with the vette so I do try to run the A/C at least once a month.

My main question is should I just always leave it on automatic control and just adjust the temperature, ignoring whether or not the A/C compressor is on? I want as much power out of this thing as is possible so if I need to keep shutting off the A/C, I will do it.

Thanks.

- Charley

 

i leave it on auto all the time unless i am at the track.
I autocross and i leave mine on while i am waiting in line but then turn the AC and TC off before i run.
If you go WOT the AC compress will turn off so it shouldn't rob any power at WOT.

 

i think the compressor shuts off when you go full throttle.

 

RedLandRocket,

Why shut the A/C off at all? Just to be safe in case the built in shutoff doesn't work quickly enough?

 

You should probably just leave it on Auto. As others have said, the compressor cycles off at WOT, and at lower speeds the power loss is practically unnoticeable. It's also true that the AC needs to be run periodically, even in the winter, in order to keep everything lubed properly.

 

The A/C is disengaged during WOT.

Here is the description of A/C operation:

PCM Controlled Air Conditioning Description

In order to improve engine operation, and protect the A/C compressor and A/C clutch during wide open throttle (WOT) performance, the A/C compressor operation is controlled by the PCM.

This A/C system consists of the following components:

The heater and A/C control
The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor
The A/C clutch relay
The A/C compressor clutch
The PCM.
When the heater and A/C control is placed in the A/C mode, a request signal is sent to the PCM. The PCM will then energize the A/C clutch relay, unless abnormally high or low A/C pressure is detected by the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. The PCM will also turn the cooling fans ON when A/C is requested. The A/C clutch relay is controlled by the PCM so that the PCM can increase idle speed before turning ON the clutch or disable the clutch during WOT, or high coolant temperature.

The C60 A/C (manual controls) system utilizes a hard wire request circuit from the HVAC Programmer to the PCM to request A/C. The CJ2 A/C system (automatic controls) utilizes the serial data circuit to request A/C.

The PCM energizes the A/C clutch whenever the engine is running less than 4895 RPM and A/C has been requested, unless any of the following conditions are met:

Wide Open Throttle (WOT)
A/C head pressure greater than 2827 kPa (410 psi) or less than 0 kPa/psi (as determined by the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor)
Ignition voltage less than 10 volts
Engine speed greater than 5594 RPM
ECT greater than 125°C (257°F)

 

Fixed my picture size.
I didn't notice any slow down since i am getting the picture from my server!
:hat :hat

 

You need to run the AC more than once a month to keep the system from leaking. The does compresser shuts off at wide open throttle. :chevy

 

Sounds like I am going to leave it on "auto" all the time and let it control the A/C.

I like simplifying my life. :yesnod:

- Charley

 

Actually, I personally don't let my fully auto HVAC system do its own thing; I run mine in fully manual mode because I LIKE 'predictability' and consistancy in my HVAC system's operation. I TRIED the system in fully auto mode when I took possession of my C5 Coupe (ordered new) but I found that the system (A/C) was coming on when I didn't NEED or WANT it to (eg. open windows) and/or was selecting fans speeds that I didn't like (eg. too HIGH for my taste). So, in general, I run mine in fully manual mode and turn my A/C on only when I judge I need/want it - eg. 'city driving' and it's really hot and/or during 'highway driving' to keep the wind noise levels down.

That said, there IS a reason to run things in manual mode (should one CARE) and that is FUEL MILEAGE. Try this sometime: while driving at (say) 60 MPH or more with CRUISE engaged and WINDOWS UP, set the DIC to 'instantaneous fuel consumption mode' and, with the HVAC system in fully manual mode, CYCLE the A/C on and off. Bet you find (ROUGHLY) a 'couple of MPG' DIFFERENCE (lower) with it on...

Here's another test: again at highway speeds and cruise on and A/C OFF, start with all windows UP and note fuel consumption. Repeat, first with ONE window down and then with BOTH down.

If 'you're like me', one window down with produce a RELATIVELY SMALL increase in fuel consumption BUT BOTH DOWN (relative to one down) will produce a MUCH LARGER increase and NOTICABLY much higher turbulance...

 

Man, I was gonna say... it's only 31K... how slow of a dial-up connection are we talking about??? 300 BAUD??? ***LOL***

 

Another option....move to Phoenix. I guarantee you will never have this problem again!

The A/C compressor in my Stealth had to be replaced because I did not use it enough. The dealer told me that the seals were not lubed frequently enough(it ended up leaking). I don't want to have this problem with the vette so I do try to run the A/C at least once a month.

 

Why would you not run your A/C in the HOT pheonix area?

 

He's saying the compressor would run all the time in Phoenix, hence the seals not hardening and failing. :D :cheers: :cheers: