temperature gauge question and a/c

Kent McLean kentmclean at comcast.net
Mon Jun 30 15:31:14 PDT 2008


Louis-Alain Richard wrote:
> I have two points to make about the above subjects that may help some
> understand strange behaviors :
> 
> - Temp gauge range: on newer cars, especially those who have a multiplexed
> electrical system, the gauges are usually showing a steady needle even if
> the actual temperatures are varying. 
> - Set temps for automatic AC : a similar logic applies here. The 70F that
> the head unit shows is only an "index of comfort", not a real temperature.
> The head unit will varies the speed, the temperature and the air
> distribution according to sunlight level, vent temperatures, actual cabin
> temperature and outside temperature. 

Well, thank you for that.  Now its behavior makes a bit more sense.  In the
summer, my SO's Buick will take a minute or two before the AC kicks in, then
it goes full blast for a few minutes (until the cabin is cooled), at which
point it backs off to be whisper quiet.  It's an off-the-lot new car, so it
works great.

I wonder how well it (and any car) will fare in 10 years when the sensors
start to fail. That's one reason I liked the 3-dial manual system in my
'94 100 wagon. Temp, outlet, and fan. Not too difficult to work, and it
will still work fine in 10 years (although I think it has vacuum operated
servos, so maybe not).

-- 
Kent McLean
'99 A4 Avant, w/ quattro, V6, Tiptronic, :)
'91 200 TQA #1, backup car
gone but not forgotten:
'94 100 S Avant, "Moody", now with new owner
'91 200 TQA #2, up in smoke 2
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy", up in smoke


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