How's the AC on the R36?

[satz]

hi all
haven't had a chance to drive an R36 in the really hot weather (35c or so).

How's the AC on those days? Do passengers in the back complain, or are they cool (literally!)?

The front AC vents seem a little small compared to my 08 GTI


thank you

S

[adrock]

Yeah, I reckon it cools OK, even in the back it's not too bad. My only comment would be that when it's in auto mode it really doesn't give you much at your feet, so they can still be pretty warm.

Still think the sensor is rather buggy as posted in other posts here, especially when it's sunny.

[revivor]

Yeah, I reckon it cools OK, even in the back it's not too bad. My only comment would be that when it's in auto mode it really doesn't give you much at your feet, so they can still be pretty warm.

Still think the sensor is rather buggy as posted in other posts here, especially when it's sunny.

I agree with adrock. Auto mode is stupid in the hot weather, one hot day, got in the car turn on auto AC, blowed hot air for 10min then had to turn to LO before it cooled down. But manual AC works the best.

[kleung]

I agree with adrock. Auto mode is stupid in the hot weather, one hot day, got in the car turn on auto AC, blowed hot air for 10min then had to turn to LO before it cooled down. But manual AC works the best.

Sounds like your Clmatronic isn't actually working correctly. On a hot day, if your Climatronic is working as it should, it should make no difference to the temperature of the air coming out of the vents whether you have the temp set to 22C or 'Lo', until the cabin temp approaches 22C. The fan speed should slow down until it's low, before the Climatronic starts feeding in some warmth to take off the edge of the cold air.

The AC in mine is OK. It's certainly not in the same league as Japanese automotive AC, but it does the job.

[weasel]

I have been dissapointed with the Air con since day one.( about the only negative thing about the car ) I have had it at VW twice and they have stated that there is nothing wrong with it. If thats the case this would have to be the worst car I have ever owned with Air. I saying that, It has performed better recently in very hot weather in Adelaide a few weeks ago. I said better, not great.

I should take a new passat for a test drive to see what the air in another car is like.....

[sloutch]

I feel that AC in the R36 is 'piss-weak'. I have to turn it up '4 bars' (09 R36) for fan speed for passengers behind to feel anything. Most of the times people sitting at the back complain the car to be staffy.

I always thought it was a fault with the a/c in my car, but i guess everyone else is experiencing the same problem?

[Pana]

The A/C in my R is the worst of any car late model car I have been in. VW say its normal...... sloutch is 100% right saying its piss weak...

[revivor]

I feel that AC in the R36 is 'piss-weak'. I have to turn it up '4 bars' (09 R36) for fan speed for passengers behind to feel anything. Most of the times people sitting at the back complain the car to be staffy.

I always thought it was a fault with the a/c in my car, but i guess everyone else is experiencing the same problem?

Same here! always gettin complaints from back passengers unless I have it on manual AC. I find it works the best.

[satz]

from the extended test drive I had I think the overall dark grey interior, combined with the high window sills at the rear, and combined with low airflow from rear vents would make passengers feel stuffy.

Does manual AC mean setting it to 'Low' and switching on AC and switching off 'Auto'?

[kleung]

Does manual AC mean setting it to 'Low' and switching on AC and switching off 'Auto'?

Manual mode on the Climatronic is any setting where the 'auto' button is not lit. This means that you are manually controlling one or more of the following:

- Fan speed
- AC on/off
- Air flow direction
- Recirculation mode

Full auto mode (Auto button lit) would have the Climatronic unit controlling all of those settings. Temperature setting is always user-controlled.

[sloutch]

I have never use the Auto function on the A/C controls. Always have it on manual. I am still confused about the air circulatory function button with the 'A' ono it.

[kleung]

I have never use the Auto function on the A/C controls. Always have it on manual.

Just out of curiosity, any particular reason?

I am still confused about the air circulatory function button with the 'A' ono it.

There are three recirculation modes - Fresh, Recirculate and Auto.

http://www.volkswagen.ie/media/country/ie/x/models/passat/passat.Par.0049.Image.jpg/climatronic_l.jpg

In 'Fresh' mode, both LEDs are off, and you get outside air.
In 'Recirculate' mode, the left LED (the one without the 'A') is lit, and cabin air is recirculated.
In 'Auto' mode, (right LED with the 'A' lit), the Climatronic unit uses a sensor to detect pollutants (hydrocarbons) in the air. If it detects excessive pollutants (such as when you're in a tunnel with a lot of other vehicles), it will automatically switch to recirculate mode, and back to fresh mode when the outside air clears. There is no visible indication when the switch actually happens. You just have to trust that it has happened.

Did you know that there are two auto modes on the Climatronic? You will notice that there are two LEDs on the 'Auto' button. If you press the 'Auto' button so that the left LED is lit, the system is in full auto with lower fan speeds. Press it so the 'right' LED is lit, and you still have fully automatic climate control, but with boosted fan speeds. The difference in fan speeds is typically about one bars worth.

[ron]

front left and right vents have their limitations in directions, they do not vent in enough, more like straight is the max.
the rear passengers vents gets next to no share of the air, but they do work, a little.
overall, in a 30+degree day you will actually need to start, drive and get the compressor going to cool the cabin down, but it takes time.

[revivor]

front left and right vents have their limitations in directions, they do not vent in enough, more like straight is the max.
the rear passengers vents gets next to no share of the air, but they do work, a little.
overall, in a 30+degree day you will actually need to start, drive and get the compressor going to cool the cabin down, but it takes time.

This is what I found out too. My prev Accord Euro cools better in a hot summer day.

[adrock]

In 'Fresh' mode, both LEDs are off, and you get outside air.
In 'Recirculate' mode, the left LED (the one without the 'A') is lit, and cabin air is recirculated.
In 'Auto' mode, (right LED with the 'A' lit), the Climatronic unit uses a sensor to detect pollutants (hydrocarbons) in the air. If it detects excessive pollutants (such as when you're in a tunnel with a lot of other vehicles), it will automatically switch to recirculate mode, and back to fresh mode when the outside air clears. There is no visible indication when the switch actually happens. You just have to trust that it has happened.

Did you know that there are two auto modes on the Climatronic? You will notice that there are two LEDs on the 'Auto' button. If you press the 'Auto' button so that the left LED is lit, the system is in full auto with lower fan speeds. Press it so the 'right' LED is lit, and you still have fully automatic climate control, but with boosted fan speeds. The difference in fan speeds is typically about one bars worth.

Great explanation. Something that frustrates me is that you don't seem to be able to just recirculate air (prevent air coming in) unless you have the unit running. This seems very odd to me. I can't recall any other car where you can't just shut the external vents without having to have your fan still running. Or am I missing something?