Heating & Ventalation......On a 2009 Sport am I correct in thinking that when the AUTO button is pressed and only shows one (the lower red light) that the Aircon is not activated? In other words, in this mode the fan speed can be used to bring though warm air from the rad. area. Only when both the red lights are on is the Aircon on? Andrew  Andrew Kennedy

I've never really taken much notice.....


With just the bottom light illuminated, I've notice my fan is no longer controlled by the A/C

Not sure what else is happening though RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

I'm not sure

i thought it was semi auto in that mode, the air con is active, but the fan speed is not controled by the computer, you set it maually 07,TDV8,Black, Black Heated leather all round, Rear Entertainment with Headpones & Remote, TV, DVD, Pure Dab Digital Radio, Sidesteps, Adaptive Headlights, sunroof, now working fuel burning heater )))

Top light is on when the fan is being controlled by the climate control system. Turn the fan speed control manually and the top light goes out and the fan speed lights around the speed control light up appropriately.

The bottom light is on when the direction of air flow is being controlled automatically. Select air flow from the three button to the left of the system (up, face or foot vents) and the bottom light goes out.

If you want to turn off the air con but have the fan running then press the econ button. Press the off button to turn off everything. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

RRSTDV8 Many thanks for your info, just to summerise, if the ECON button if press ON the aircon will not be active. With the ECON on this would allow the fans to be regulated to bring through warm air from the engine/rad area? With the AUTO pressed ON with either one or both red lights on the aircon will come on if situation demands. Andrew Andrew Kennedy

Econ turns off the air conditioning and gives you external air in its raw state. It comes from the bottom of the windscreen, not the engine bay / radiator area. If you want warm air, just turn up the temperature dial... 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Auto - Termostatically controls the cabin temp.

Auto off - Overrides thermostatic control so will only pump in air at requested temp.

Above will use the AC compressor to assist with achieving the requested temps (either to maintain a specific temp with Auto or achieve an output temp with Auto off), unless Econ is activated where AC compressor will be switched off therefore particularly low temps for instance will not be achievable.

Best advice is to leave on Auto and ECON not activated and find a temp you are comfortable at. We find that most customers ideal temp is 20-22 with most choosing 21. If you leave the vehicle in this setting then it will cool to 21 in summer and heat to 21 in winter. Unless for instance the cabin is mega hot in summer or you have been out walking in the cold and you want to warm your feet, then there is no real reason to adjust manually.

Climate Control is one of the most misunderstood features, which once set up properly, there is no real reason to adjust unless you are under or over clothed for the temp selected on the dial!

James

Many thanks - I now know exactly how the systems works (not very well explained in the handbook). They do say in the handbook that running with the ECON on helps fuil consumption - any thoughts?? Andrew Andrew Kennedy

Running in Econ mode switches off the compressor so the engine doesn't have to provide power to run it. Less power required from the engine means less fuel is burnt hence improved economy. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

With my BMW from tons ago, running with AC compressor turned off was strongly discouraged - could lead to component failure, apparently. I am guessing the RRS suffers no such risk. L405 P400e Autobiography (MY2020)... Silicon Silver / Espresso
RRS TDV6 HSE Lux (MY2011)... Nara Bronze / Arabica - now gone!

AC systems need to be run at times to keep the system "lubricated". ISTR the advice was 30 minutes every 30 days to ensure seals etc were kept in good condition.

My view is that anyone who turns off AC does so because they don't understand how to use it. I know people who say things like "I only use the aircon on hot days in summer". Which is just daft. Turn up the temperature setting and let the system give you warm conditioned air rather than cold conditioned air. D'uh! 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

The problem with AC climate control in the winter is that once it gets to temperature, say 21C, it starts to waft cold air into the cabin to 'maintain' a comfortable cabin temperature, thus making you cold. My missus forbids the AC button to be on in winter. Not my choice. L405 P400e Autobiography (MY2020)... Silicon Silver / Espresso
RRS TDV6 HSE Lux (MY2011)... Nara Bronze / Arabica - now gone!