EATC proves to be junk in cold weather...

[carterh]

Since I was a kid (yesterday ) I had a theory about EATCs being complete crap in the winter. It seems that vehicles with climate control never get nearly as hot as the manual systems, thus resulting in foggy windows and cranky passengers.
How does your EATC stack up in the cold? Mine has difficulty keeping the windows clear with only one occupant, and is hopeless with two or more. Keep in mind I live in Saskatchewan where -20c is the average high for four months of the year...

 

[EMB2580]

On mine, the defroster works great, heat could be a little hotter though, think I need a new t-stat.

 

[carterh]

I can sometimes manage to keep the windshield clear, but the side windows and back windows are increasingly difficult. I have come to the conclusion that climate control is only good in fare weather....

 

[Tommy's SHO]

At those temperatures -20°C to -40°C, I would put the EATC at 32°C and on DEF, then control the fan manually.

After spending a lot of $$$ to fix the blend door on my SHO, I know for sure that my next vehicle will have manual controls.

 

[carterh]

At those temperatures -20°C to -40°C, I would put the EATC at 32°C and on DEF, then control the fan manually.

After spending a lot of $$$ to fix the blend door on my SHO, I know for sure that my next vehicle will have manual controls.

Even running the system at 32 on full blow, it has difficulty keeping things clear, and is by no means hot. What possible problems could this be signing?

 

[crazy_canadian]

Mine on DEF on full blast keep the fronts windows totally clear with 5 people in the car. But I haven't see any temp under 0°c really.
But I heard that the A/C compressor turns on for the heater to remove the humidity from the air before heating it up. I know my AC dosen't work and it's way more humid inside than my mom's car.

 

[carterh]

Well my AC works just fine... I try preheating my car and everything but I just can't get the upper hand in the foggy battle! I will honestly leave my car running for 20 minutes with the heat manually on high and the car will barely even be warm when I get in...

 

[SHOtimer]

Well, there are a couple possible problems here. I don't think it is your EATC 'directly'. Either your thermostat is not functioning properly and allowing your motor to get up to normal operating temps, or your blend door is not functioning properly - so you arn't getting access to the heat your motor is creating.

Do a self-test on the EATC and see if something comes up.

Personally, I love the EATC - I would never get a manual again if I don't have to. Mine gets hot enough that it is uncomfortable....

Doug

 

[EMB2580]

But I heard that the A/C compressor turns on for the heater to remove the humidity from the air before heating it up.

From what I've heard, the EATC (as well as the HVAC controls on most cars) uses the A/C compressor for every setting except for "vent" and "floor". I believe this to be true because I hear a click within my EATC when I press any of the override buttons other than the two I mentioned.

 

[SHOpoor]

Well, there are a couple possible problems here. I don't think it is your EATC 'directly'. Either your thermostat is not functioning properly and allowing your motor to get up to normal operating temps, or your blend door is not functioning properly - so you arn't getting access to the heat your motor is creating.

Do a self-test on the EATC and see if something comes up.

Personally, I love the EATC - I would never get a manual again if I don't have to. Mine gets hot enough that it is uncomfortable....

Doug

Correct - check out the blend door operation. It is the most likely problem for what you have described.

 

[Ishodu]

I am with Doug on this one. I also feel the same way about my EATC.
It should have no problem keeping all the windows clear with the AC working and proper heat.

 

[firstgen89sho]

I have no problems with my EATC, I just converted over to EATC from manual, and really have seen no differences, just that I find the EATC more comfortable because it controls the interior temperature to what I like instead of having to switch it manually

 

[Minnesho]

mine works fine, unless the car is full of people then its harder to keep the rear and sides defrosted. i just replaced my t-stat as well, the car heats up much quicker now.

 

[carterh]

My 2000 Lincoln LS with climate can keep the windows clear, but has trouble keeping the car warm at -25... Ford can't seem to make a decent auto climate...