V50 General : Aircon Efficiency Yardstick!!!

[Ingulphus]

Wotcha - So, I guess for the first time today, my ecc got a proper workout (only had the car four weeks). I have it constantly on and set to about 18 degrees. This afternoon, having stood in the sun for some time, the inside of the car was bloody roasting and so I turned it down to low. In doing so, the fan (set to automatic low) was on for an eternity (only cool too, not cold) and so in the end I cranked the temp. to 16 and this then quitened the fan down and made it run cooler. Is this about right or does it suggest low gas?

Thanks as always.

[Daim]

You had it on "LOW"? The fan will be on all the time on "full belt". If you turn it up to "HIGH" it will be on all the time, as it can't set enough... How low can you go?

It is normal

[Clan]

This hot weather the best setting is 19-21 on AUTO . be patient when you first start it and drive away the fan will go but it will settle down and cool you and keep the set temperature.
Too many people havent a clue how to use it .. everything on manual . temp LO all vents open ( wasted cool air going to floor ) .. it never gets a chance to work properly .. They are not patient enough to let it sort itself out ..

[v40bart]

Or you can start on manual frosty setting and then switch to auto 19-20 or whatever you like...

[Ingulphus]

Cool (no pun intended). So all is well. Thanks!

[fenton_jd]

Only time I use aircon, I press the middle position button. Set recirculation to permenant on, and turn fan to around 3 notches.

Auto-setting is rather annoying.

[Ingulphus]

I love auto setting and have had it that way since buying. To drive a car that is always 'just right' is bloody marvellous! The other thing that I like and this'll probably seem a strange comment to some of you (but remember I have come from driving a '73 VW campervan) and that is the lack of dust! My van cab was always coated in a thin veneer of dust (various road ****, I guess), but the volvo - clean as a whistle!

[Bendolfc]

Mine is never just right, I've tried leaving it on auto and not touching it but it either ends up too hot or freezing cold.

[v40bart]

Shot temperature sensor?

[Welton]

Behind the 'floating instrument panel' there's a tiny little grille pressed-out of the plastic moulding - this can block up with fluff which could affect the temperature reading of the c/c - don't poke it but gently hoover the grille. Might help a bit?

I find auto does an 'ok' job but your comfort is very often affected by radiated heat coming off that big dashboard so although the cabin air temp might have been achieved and the fan speed reduced you feel as though you need a bit more cooling and reach for the controls.......

Leather seats don't really help either as they are very often hot when you jump in and make you feel hot(er) as a result - that's when air-cooled seats are a huge bonus (if only).