Econ light switches itself off.

[peteo]

Just wondering if this is normal. On my 1.9TDI Golf Mk5 (05 plate), the econ light on the semi automatic air con, seems to have a mind of its own.

In short, it seems to switch itself off. This can sometimes happen if you switch the fan setting from screen and footwell to screen only.

As far as I can work out, everything seems to work - the air con works when the econ light is off.

Is this a fault?

[nc7503]

ive got a similar thing on my 06 tdi jetta, once a week when i start the car up it turns off,and leaves the aircon on

[peteo]

Always nice to know you're not alone! I did locate another thread where the poster had the opposite problem in that his econ button switched itself ON. The answer seemed to be that his air con was low on gas.

From what I can see, the air con works perfectly. Once you switch the button on or off, it stays on or off and only changes when you alter the fan setting.

Grateful if anyone has any ideas.

[radox]

I think it sounds to be working correctly.

If you switch the air distribution to Windscreen, it will always switch the ECON off (to guarantee quick demisting). However, if you then switch the air distribution away from Windscreen, it will restore the ECON setting. i.e. it has remembered that you prefer the ECON setting.

I think the confusion with these systems is that people think of them as just a normal heating/ventilation system with A/C rather than the more sophisticated climate control system it is. They work best with the ECON turned off and you just set the temperature dial to your desired temperature.

Also, remember that on your TDI, turning ECON on will disable the electrical coolant heater which will prevent the car warming up so quick. (A godsend in this cold weather).

Stuart
http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5