Air Con - question on basic operation

[whitenemesis]

Ok, I've read and re-read my owner's manual but am still left confused....
I have the standard dual zone aircon, I can set diff temps for each side of the car (as I understand it). But if I set it on "Auto" i.e. it sets the air distribution and controls the temp, which of the two temp controllers should I use?
Also, is it normal for the system to experience such masive hysteresis? It get really quite chilly then starts to get rather warm only to cycle back again over about 10-15min.
Do I have a problem with the unit or my brain??!:-|

 

[jberks]

You set both controls just as you do on manual. The auto controls the fan and distribution. Merc temp controls have always been theromostatic anyway. The general rule is to set in the middle and leave it alone. However, clearly it will struggle if you have one side at 28 and the other at 18.

 

[whitenemesis]

You set both controls just as you do on manual. The auto controls the fan and distribution. Merc temp controls have always been theromostatic anyway. The general rule is to set in the middle and leave it alone. However, clearly it will struggle if you have one side at 28 and the other at 18.

Thanks for the reply! I have the controls set the same for both sides, it just seems that the temp fluctuates quite widely much more so than on the Alhambra. Think I'll get it checked over next time its in for service (not long now!)

 

[Rory]

I have exactly the same car as you and this aspect of the car is probably its biggest fault - the Peugeot 406 I had before had a real 'set and forget' climate control system.

Apart from anything else, how bonkers is it that a red light shows when the system is on auto!

I find it really can't cope with variations in the outside temp (especially if the sun's going in and out) and the a/c really isn't particularly capable in hot weather.

I think that one of its problems is that the fan slows down too much in auto when it's hovering around its set temp - if you switch to manual (also has the benefit of getting rid of that red light!) and set the fan on a medium speed, it seems (to me) better. Set the air flow to whatever suits - I tend to leave every thing open to keep as much air as possible moving through the car.


I think it's pretty poor that full climate control is a option on any MB, although I don't know if that system is any better in practice.

 

[whitenemesis]

Not just me then!

Perhaps I should get the windows filmed. The climate control realy cannot cope with the sun going in and out :?

Anyone with the deluxe version? Any better?