Re: a4 auto climate control

[dan_masi@MENTORG.COM (Dan Masi)]

On Nov 11,  2:38pm, pk001c@uhura.cc.rochester.edu wrote:
> Subject: a4 auto climate control
> Hi,
> I had a question about the climate control on my 97 a4.  What does
> the snow flake mean, that the compressor is working?

Yep.  Assuming that you're talking about the snowflake on your
climate control panel, and not the one that shows up in the
outside air temp display in the dash.  THAT one indicates that the
temperature is low enough (I think it's somewhere around 42F) that
the various outside heating elements (mirrors, windshield washers,
door lock) will be enabled.

> If I leave it in auto it is on soemtimes off at others,
> soemtimes it wont go on even if I push it , and
> also re cirrculation deoesnt stay on either unless the flake
> is there.  this is confusing!

Confusing at best.  The A4 is a great design, but one has the
distinct feeling that the climate control system was designed
by a very, ummm, *special* engineering group.  Had I been in the
design review, I would've fired everyone there on the spot.
After I stopped laughing.

For some reason, Audi decided that they would *only* let you
go into recirculate mode if the AC is on.  Want to use recirc
to get your car warmer, faster?  Sorry.  Stuck at a light with
a bus in front of you dumping diesel into your lungs?  Sorry.

Finished with the defrost, want to revert back to the regular
heater setting?  Easy.  First hit "Auto".  This, of course,
leaves your compressor on.  Now hit "snowflake" to turn the
compressor off.

I swear, if I knew what ucontroller they were using, I'd
disassemble and rewrite it.  Chipping the climate control is
a *much* higher priority than chipping the engine!

Dan Masi
'96 A4Q