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Old Oct 24, 2007 | 09:37 PM
  #1  
xzombiex66's Avatar
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From: LBC Ohio
Heater

i have a question about my heater when i turn the dial to where it blows either defrost and feet or defrost only it sounds like the ac compressor kicks on, is it supposed to do that?
Old Oct 24, 2007 | 09:47 PM
  #2  
mizzouHHR's Avatar
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From: Centralia, Missouri
I believe that when you turn on defrost, the air compressor is supposed kick on. I have had others cars set up that way, and I think the HHR is also. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it has to do with the defrosts ability to clear the inside of the windshield.
Old Oct 24, 2007 | 09:51 PM
  #3  
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From: Break Away Republic of SoCal
It's normal. Hope someone else can chime in if I'm wrong or missing something here...I think the idea behind the AC compressor coming on during the defrost/defog mode, is to dehumidify the air (remove the moisture from the air) circulating through the cabin. This especially helps when you're trying to remove the fog from the windshield.
Old Oct 24, 2007 | 09:59 PM
  #4  
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From: Northern Kentucky
This is a normal condition on vehicles equipped with air conditioning. The a/c turns on when in defrost mode in winter because it dries the air and removes the humidity making defrosting more effective. Hope this helps!
Old Oct 25, 2007 | 03:37 AM
  #5  
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Talking

Yes, it is normal for the A/C compressor to come on in defrost mode, as explained, to dehumidify the air. The question now is....it is kinda early in the year for defrosting, what are you doing in there to fog up the windows,
Old Oct 25, 2007 | 11:39 AM
  #6  
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Does this mean that even in cold conditions - like -20 C - the a/c engages and attempts to dry outdoor air which is already very dry?

Or does the a/c only attempt to dry recirculated air? This makes more sense to me.
Old Oct 25, 2007 | 12:01 PM
  #7  
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From: The Show-Me State
The compressor turns off when the outside ambient temperature falls below 40F.
Old Oct 25, 2007 | 12:48 PM
  #8  
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Joined: 07-17-2006
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From: Dallas, GA
Originally Posted by Marzipan
Does this mean that even in cold conditions - like -20 C - the a/c engages and attempts to dry outdoor air which is already very dry?

Or does the a/c only attempt to dry recirculated air? This makes more sense to me.
Yes, the A/C runs with any setting of the defrost on (some areas have humidity in winter).

-(Defog): This mode directs approximately half of
the air to the windshield and the side window outlets and
half to the floor outlets. When you select this mode
the system runs the air conditioning compressor.
To defog the windows faster, turn the temperature
control knob clockwise to the warmest setting.
Recirculation mode is not available in defog mode.

0(Defrost): This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield, with some air directed to the side window
outlets and the floor outlets. When you select this mode
the system runs the air conditioning compressor.
To defrost the windows faster, turn the temperature
control knob clockwise to the warmest setting.
Recirculation mode is not available in defog mode.
The A/C also runs if you have the recirculation on in any setting it is allowed to be turned on.

@(Recirculate): Press this button to prevent outside
air and odors from entering your vehicle or to help heat or
cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly. An indicator
light above the symbol will come on in this mode. The air
conditioning compressor also comes on. This mode is not
available for floor, defog and defrost modes. When the
recirculation button is pressed, the recirculation indicator
light will flash five times and outside air will be delivered.
Operation in this mode during periods of high humidity
and cool outside temperatures may result in increased
window fogging. If window fogging is experienced, select
the defrost mode.

Last edited by solman98; Oct 25, 2007 at 01:24 PM.
Old Oct 25, 2007 | 02:43 PM
  #9  
xzombiex66's Avatar
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From: LBC Ohio
Cool thanks everyone for your help
Old Oct 25, 2007 | 03:30 PM
  #10  
Old Ray's Avatar
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Joined: 06-23-2007
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From: British Columbia, Canada
Originally Posted by chadpuska
i have a question about my heater when i turn the dial to where it blows either defrost and feet or defrost only it sounds like the ac compressor kicks on, is it supposed to do that?
Hum, yes its supposed to turn on in the defrost mode, in the old days, the A/C compressor ran in the defrost mode so that in the winter time the air conditioning compressor seals could be lubricated by the oil (?) in the Freon otherwise the seals would dry out and leak.

Last edited by Old Ray; Oct 25, 2007 at 03:32 PM. Reason: wrong word
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