Hi- after a 3 year gap since selling the D3, i am back with a MY2010 RRS. 10 days in and its on a flat bed transporter for tubo related issues which i understand is common, but after 500 miles its a sad state of affairs. Anyway, thats another tale, my question is, can you run the auto function on the heating without the a/c (compressor) running as you can on my BMW? if i turn the a/c off the auto function goes off as well. Is this a fault or a temp related issue like the auto on front/rear screen demist from start up???

I get the same behaviour on mine

Owner's Manual page 109:
" Econ button:- Press the button to select economy mode. The air-conditioning is switched off. This reduces the load on the engine, thereby improving fuel consumption"

You can then use all the controls like a car with no ac. TBH I have not noticed any improvement in fuel consumption with it off and also get a car that mists up very quickly so I just leave the system in climate control mode set at 21 or 22 (in the winter) and use the "Prog" button for rapid warm up on cold mornings. Why would you not want to use the climate control?

Does this answer the question? 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW