[s-cars] 93 S4 AC control

[Paul Heneghan]

>I have a recurring situation with my heater AC control.  The "snowflake"
>always shows up - except for lately.  The weather is about 40 degrees F and
>the AC compressor is not kicking in right away, which would help clear up
>the windows with dry air.  After the car has warmed up a little, the AC
>compressor kicks in.
>
>Has anybody experienced this.  The compressor was just retrofitted and
>charged, so it does not appear to be low on pressure, but I can have this
>checked again.  Any thoughts would be welcome, especially BTDT experiences.

Hello Ron,

According to my owner's manual, this is normal behaviour.  From memory, the
aircon is disabled below 4 degrees C (when the snowflake appears in the
external temperature display at the bottom of the dash).  My car did this
for the first time a week ago or so.  After a couple of miles (presumably I
drove into a slightly warmer area) the air con worked again.

The owner's manual doesn't make it clear why the air con gets disabled.  Any
one any ideas?
Presumably at temperatures close to 0, there is very little moisture in the
air.  Maybe there is a danger of things icing up?

Paul

1995 S6 Avant (UK spec) with disabled aircon below 4C