A/C controls

Why is it that when I hit the 'Auto' button, the A/C always comes on? I always have to hit the A/C button to turn it off. This happens even when I want heat.
Doesnt the compressor come on when the A/C light is on?

I believe that the A/C can control the temp. much more effectively than just trying to monitor and adjust the outside air. This way it will be uniform.

That is the design. More of a dehumidifier if nothing else. I always turn the compressor off when I don't need it.

Well I turn it off as well. It would obviously use more gas if its running and just wear out the comprresor quicker. What a waste! Its just a silly design I guess.
When I start the car in the morning, the settings seem to return to defrost/floor. Is this also some kind of default setting?

I believe it goes back to the last key-off setting.

I wish. When I start the car, it always goes to defrost/floor. That is until I hit auto, and change the setting. Then of course I have to hit the A/C button.. ugh!

Sounds like something is wrong. On both the montego and FS, it always has the position that it had when the car was turned off - it never resets. Almost sounds like it's losing a "memory" of sorts when the car shuts down.... Do your radio presets stay in place after your restart the car?

andy

You may want to carry out the following procedures:

Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module — Diagnostic Methods

The EATC system must be diagnosed by first retrieving any DTCs, if present.

An on-demand (hard fault) DTC indicates that the fault is currently present. An on-demand DTC suggests a wiring fault, disconnected connector or component failure.
A continuous (intermittent) DTC alone (corresponding on-demand DTC is not present) indicates that the fault is an intermittent condition and may not be currently present. A continuous only DTC suggests a poor wiring connection, loose pin or terminal or intermittent component failure.
On-demand (hard fault) or continuous (intermittent fault) DTCs can be retrieved using a scan tool. If using a scan tool, refer to the scan tool operating manual.

On-demand DTCs can also be retrieved by carrying out the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module On-Demand Self Test. To retrieve and/or clear continuous DTCs, carry out the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module — Retrieve Continuous DTCs procedure. Always carry out the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module On-Demand Self Test before retrieving continuous DTCs.

If no DTCs are present, GO to Symptom Chart for the appropriate diagnostic action.

Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module On-Demand Self Test

The EATC Module On-Demand Self Test will retrieve on-demand (hard fault) DTCs only, it will not retrieve continuous DTCs. Continuous DTCs can be cleared when exiting the EATC Module On-Demand Self Test. Make sure to retrieve continuous DTCs by carrying out the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module — Retrieve Continuous DTCs procedure before clearing any continuous DTCs.

The EATC Module On-Demand Self Test will not detect concerns associated with data link messages like engine coolant temperature or vehicle speed signals. A scan tool must be used to retrieve these concerns.
The EATC Module On-Demand Self Test will detect concerns in the system control functions and will display on-demand (hard fault) DTCs for concerns that are present during the self-test. The vehicle interior temperature should be between 4°C-38°C (40°F-100°F) when carrying out the self-test. If the temperatures are not within the specified ranges, false DTCs may be displayed.
The self-test can be initiated after cycling the ignition switch from OFF to ON. Normal operation of the climate control system stops when the self-test is activated.
To enter the self-test, press the OFF and DEFROST buttons simultaneously and release, then press the AUTO button within 2 seconds. The display will show a flashing blower icon for 20 seconds, after which all vacuum fluorescent segments will be displayed if there are no on-demand DTCs present. If DTCs are present, the EATC module will display "00 00" and then on-demand DTCs. Record all DTCs displayed.
If any DTCs appear during the self-test, carry out the diagnostic procedure. Refer to the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module Diagnostic Trouble Code Index and follow the ACTION for each DTC given.
If a condition exists, but no DTCs appear during the self-test, GO to Symptom Chart Condition: The EATC System Is Inoperative, Intermittent or Incorrect Operation.
To exit the self-test and retain all DTCs, press any button except DEFROST. The EATC module will exit the self-test and retain all DTCs.
To exit the self-test and clear all DTCs, press the DEFROST button. The EATC module will exit the self-test and all DTCs will be cleared.
Always exit the self-test before powering the system down (system turned OFF). Once the self-test is exited, the ignition switch must remain ON for at least 30 seconds to allow the door actuators to automatically recalibrate.
Continuous DTCs will be deleted after 80 ignition switch ON cycles after the intermittent fault occurs.
Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module — Retrieve Continuous DTCs

The EATC module will retrieve only continuous (intermittent) DTCs when carrying out this procedure.

Retrieval of continuous DTCs can be initiated after cycling the ignition switch from OFF to ON. Normal operation of the climate control system stops when retrieving continuous DTCs.
To retrieve continuous DTCs, press the OFF and DEFROST buttons simultaneously and release, then press the RECIRC button within 2 seconds. All vacuum fluorescent segments will be displayed if there are no continuous DTCs present. Continuous DTCs are indicated by the presence of the Celsius symbol (°C) on the EATC module display. Record all DTCs displayed.
If any DTCs appear, carry out the diagnostic procedure. Refer to the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module Diagnostic Trouble Code Index and follow the ACTION for each DTC given.
If a condition exists but no DTCs appear, GO to Symptom Chart Condition: The EATC System Is Inoperative, Intermittent or Incorrect Operation.
To exit and retain all continuous DTCs, press any button except DEFROST. The EATC module will exit the retrieved continuous DTCs mode and retain all continuous DTCs.
To exit and clear all continuous DTCs, press the DEFROST button. The EATC module will exit the retrieve continuous DTCs mode and all continuous DTCs will be cleared.
Always exit the procedure before powering the system down (system turned OFF). Once the procedure is exited, the ignition switch must remain ON for at least 30 seconds to allow the door actuators to automatically recalibrate.
Continuous DTCs will be deleted after 80 ignition switch ON cycles after the intermittent fault occurs.
Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) Module and Electronic Manual Temperature Control (EMTC) Module Cold Boot Process

The purpose of the cold boot process is to allow the EATC or EMTC module to reinitialize and calibrate the actuators. To carry out the cold boot process, follow the steps below.

Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Disconnect the EATC or EMTC module electrical connectors.
Wait on minute.
Connect the EATC or EMTC module electrical connectors.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Select any position except OFF on the EATC or EMTC module.
The EATC or EMTC module will not initialize and calibrate the actuators. Calibration of the actuators will take approximately 30 seconds

Holy Smokes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I'll just press the little a/c/ button instead!

I'm going to watch it closer. I wonder if it is only happening when it is set to 'Auto'.
Now if they just made the seat warmers come on when the car is remotely started!!

Let us know. It's really not that hard to do a self test. if you follow the procedure.

Obviously, this is your first climate controlled car. Why do you push AUTO if you don't need to?

Why would I not press Auto?

There are two ways to get the system to switch positions. One is to hit one of the "auto" modes - hitting either Auto or the front window defrost button gives the system the "go-ahead" to manipulate fan speed, airflow direction, and amount of immediate heat on it's own. So yea it can change the position - but it also might pick a position you don't expect. I think a lot of us here hit the airflow position button (bottom row, next to the seat heater button if you have that) to pick the position, and then allow manual control of the airflow as well as fan speed. Even my wife, who loves the auto position, uses this on her FS. But regardless of your choice, the climate control system remembers the last setting from when you shut the car off. If yours is really resetting each time - do the self-test as listed above before you make a trip to the dealer. Overall, your system has an issue...

andy

The test (for DTC's) shows that things are fine. No codes.
It just doesnt make sense for the A/C to come on when I push the 'Auto' button. This happens even when the temp is set at 75. The A/C comes on and I can hear it cycling off and on, but I am getting heat. In other words if I hit the auto button (for heat) the compressor runs regardless of the temp setting.

I willsay that the 'flap' or door that directs air flow, sure groans allot! Its really creeky sounding, like an old house door being opened very slowly... any relation??