A/C Always On when defrost

[Moisted]

Does anyone know if there is a way to hack the air condition system so it doesn't come on when you choose one of the two defrost settings?

Eventhough the a/c light doesnt come on, the system does actually turn the compressor on to help defrost windows, which causes more gas to burn.

I know for my 2007 Civic Si I found a hack in a Civic forum (http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29193&highlight=turn+temperature+face) which worked perfectly, but doesn't seem to work on my 07 CRV. This is the hack for the civic:


1. Turn car on.
2. Turn temperature knob all the way cold and turn the fan knob to off.
3. Put vent location to "face"
4. Turn car off
5. Hold down the Recirculation Button and the A/C Button.
6. Hold down both buttons and turn the key all the way to the on position.
7. Keep both buttons depressed until one of the lights blink a few times, then you get a solid green light once the change has been made. Then let go.
8. See if it works by putting the fan on in Defrost. You should see the A/C light turn on and you should be able to turn it off.

[tsmithvt]

1. Turn car on.
2. Turn temperature knob all the way cold and turn the fan knob to off.
3. Put vent location to "face"
4. Turn car off
5. Hold down the Recirculation Button and the A/C Button.
6. Hold down both buttons and turn the key all the way to the on position.
7. Keep both buttons depressed until one of the lights blink a few times, then you get a solid green light once the change has been made. Then let go.
8. See if it works by putting the fan on in Defrost. You should see the A/C light turn on and you should be able to turn it off.

Try doing step #2 and #3 with the key OFF, then when you do step #6, actually start the engine. Continue holding both buttons down for 7 seconds (until the air recirculation button stops flashing).

It's a very minor difference but this is what worked for my 06.

[Black Pearl]

This is great if it works. That has been one of my irritations with the CR-V, if I want the damn AC on when in defrost, I'll push the damn button. I get a little tired of engineers (or more likely bean counters) deciding how the defroster will work.

If you push the AC button after doing the hack, will the compressor come on? Also is there anything that will cause the hack to come undone? Does the hack cause any unusual behavior?

[tsmithvt]

If you push the AC button after doing the hack, will the compressor come on? Also is there anything that will cause the hack to come undone? Does the hack cause any unusual behavior?

The A/C compressor will come on every time you use any of the defroster settings. The difference is that you will be able to turn it off. You will be able to turn it back on any time you wish.

Have not disconnected the battery since making the change on my V. I suspect that doing so might require resetting the system again.

Have not noticed any unusual behavior since the reset.

[Moisted]

No unusual behavior, it just allows you to control whether you want the A/c on or off. Which is great for me since I usually like to leave it on top/bottom vent setting. Improves mileage definitely.

The reason most auto manufacturers set the system to activate the AC automatically in defrost mode is that, they've gotten tired of customers in humid climates complaining about the defrost not working when they refuse to leave the AC on. Instead, the manufacturer just takes the decision away from the customer. In other words, everyone is paying for the stupidity of a few.

[tsmithvt]

No unusual behavior, it just allows you to control whether you want the A/c on or off. Which is great for me since I usually like to leave it on top/bottom vent setting. Improves mileage definitely.

The reason most auto manufacturers set the system to activate the AC automatically in defrost mode is that, they've gotten tired of customers in humid climates complaining about the defrost not working when they refuse to leave the AC on. Instead, the manufacturer just takes the decision away from the customer. In other words, everyone is paying for the stupidity of a few.

Did the revised procedure work for you?:confused:

[Moisted]

No, I just tried it and didn't work. The recirc light doesn't flash or come on at all. I'm surprised, I doubt they changed the system since 06 model.

So you started with the engine turned off? key in ignition or out?

[tsmithvt]

No, I just tried it and didn't work. The recirc light doesn't flash or come on at all. I'm surprised, I doubt they changed the system since 06 model.

So you started with the engine turned off? key in ignition or out?

You know........ I don't remember. I think the key was in the ignition but everything was off.

[Moisted]

hmm... doesn't seem to work for the 07s. Anyone else tried this?

I did a google search and found the same hack in a few other forums, Element, Civic, even for the hybrids like Prius, although you have to hold 3 buttons. I may try different combination of buttons to see if anything will work. Or have the ignition key out before starting.

Will let you know....

[BKE]

It worked on my 06 CRV SE. I followed the modified instructions first and it didn't look like it worked. So I did it again with the original instructions and it looked like it didn't work, but like a dope I had forgotten to turn the fan switch on. It works just like described. Thanks, I didn't like the A/C having a mind of its own.

[Moisted]

Damn, it doesn't work on my 07 EXL. I tried many different combinations of buttons.

Anyone else tried it on an 07?...

[Moisted]

Anyone?...

[Greenzter]

I may as well add my 2 cents. Defrost/Defog setting's purpose is to clear the windshield. The most effective way to do this is to dehumidify the air by running the A/C compressor. That is why all vehicles, not just CR-V or Honda, with A/C do that now.

Insisting on not using the A/C is like objecting to the windshield wipers using rubber blades. :D Or complaining that the backup lights come on when shifting into reverse.

As far as saving gas, come on. Eating less will save gas, too. Driving less will save even more.

But then what do I know anyway. All I want is a clear view. ;)

[tsmithvt]

Especially for us northern folks, their are times when we do need defrosting but don't need the A/C to get the dry air on the windshield. Case in point: a cold, clear day and a car load of people. Lots of moist breathing but very dry air outside. Recirculation off, A/C off, defroster on and......moisture is gone. It's also nice sometimes to put a little heat on the windshield during the Winter. Usually don't want the A/C on then either.:cool:

[Moisted]

I may as well add my 2 cents. Defrost/Defog setting's purpose is to clear the windshield. The most effective way to do this is to dehumidify the air by running the A/C compressor. That is why all vehicles, not just CR-V or Honda, with A/C do that now.

Insisting on not using the A/C is like objecting to the windshield wipers using rubber blades. :D Or complaining that the backup lights come on when shifting into reverse.

As far as saving gas, come on. Eating less will save gas, too. Driving less will save even more.

But then what do I know anyway. All I want is a clear view. ;)

Taking the decision to have A/c on or off away from the driver is insulting the driver's intelligence. If you think A/C is the same thing as Brake lights, you need to learn to use your brain a little more effectively (you know A/C is not legally mandatory right?)

I know when I need A/C on or not, I don't need someone else to tell me to turn it on. That's why there is a button.

This is again another case of normal people suffering because of uneducated, old-fashioned idiots in the red-colour states in US, who don't want to use their brains.

[2RedV's]

Taking the decision to have A/c on or off away from the driver is insulting the driver's intelligence. If you think A/C is the same thing as Brake lights, you need to learn to use your brain a little more effectively (you know A/C is not legally mandatory right?)

I know when I need A/C on or not, I don't need someone else to tell me to turn it on. That's why there is a button.

This is again another case of normal people suffering because of uneducated, old-fashioned idiots in the red-colour states in US, who don't want to use their brains.Play nice and keep your personal view of politics off the forum. Stick to cars.

As to your comment about "red-colour" (spelled wrong, BTW) states... you are wrong. Honda, and many other manufacturers, do this on a world-wide basis, not just in the US.

[drivezki]

Play nice and keep your personal view of politics off the forum. Stick to cars.

As to your comment about "red-colour" (spelled wrong, BTW) states... you are wrong. Honda, and many other manufacturers, do this on a world-wide basis, not just in the US.

Good for you. Great response to an 'uneducated, idiot'. :D

[Black Pearl]

Almost afraid to say anything in this thread, but I agree with tsmithvt. In my previous car, I had the choice. In the summer, sometimes the windshield would steam up and I needed the A/C. But in the winter with heat on the windshield, I never needed the A/C. I am not sharpest pencil in the pack, but I didn't seem to have any difficulty deciding if the A/C needed to be on.

[2RedV's]

Almost afraid to say any thing in this thread, but I agree with tsmithvt. In my previous car, I had the choice. In the summer, sometimes the windshield would steam up and I needed the A/C. But in the winter with heat on the windshield, I never needed the A/C. I am not sharpest pencil in the pack, but I didn't seem to have any difficulty deciding if the A/C needed to be on.
I agree with both of you on many points - But... Personal attacks like that don't belong on the forum. Period.

[Black Pearl]

I agree with both of you on many points - But... Personal attacks like that don't belong on the forum. Period.

I didn't attack anyone (well maybe Honda engineers and bean counters in an earlier post in this thread--also I used the d word, and I have a poor record with my commentary on dealers) I merely pointed out that I had choice in my previous vehicle and that I agreed with tsmithvt. He didn't attack anyone either. Oh, I do believe that I referred to myself as not the sharpest pencil in the pack. That is statement fact, not a self-inflicted attack.

I agree with you on the personal attacks. This has been great forum, with little of that sort thing, and you are to be commended in your efforts to keep it civil.

[2RedV's]

Black Pearl - Your response(s) have always been great. :)
Keep them coming. I think everyone enjoys them.

[fatboyslim]

As to your comment about "red-colour" (spelled wrong, BTW) states...

Since when?
Colour is spelt COLOUR
It's just you funny Yanks that mis-spell things all the time:D :p

[AudioQuest]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I'm taking delivery of an '08 EX very soon and this is a pretty big issue for me as well. I have my '05 LX programmed to allow manual activation of the A/C when the defrost setting is selected. My '03 Civic also had this feature.

Has anyone tried removing the fuse that controls the compressor or just disconnecting the the harness to it?

[Black Pearl]

Welcome to the club. This thread seemed to die in rancor, and I have not seen any other threads addressing this. I have tried none of these things...I have a hell of time resetting my MMI. If you do find a method that works, please post it because I believe that there are a few of us who would like to have the choice whether the compressor runs or not.

Again welcome to the club and good luck your new V and this hack.

[Moisted]

yeah, I'm still looking for a way to turn my compressor to manual mode. The key combination didn't work on my CRV 07-EXL, it worked perfectly on my Civic 07-Si. Don't know why...

[electric V]

I live in california so i usualy always keep the A/C on. but during the winter when it is cold (50-65 degrees is cold for us it depends where you live) i leave the A/C on because if i don't that it will fog up all the windoes in the car and i don't want the rear window defogger on because i have a very dark tint and i don't want any chance of it bubbling up. anyway after about 10-15min of the A/C on with the cold on all the way i turn the heat up with the A/C on andit work for the rest of the way.

Everyone is trying this too hard. just remember the golden rule. K.I.S.S. Keep It Stupid Simple

the easiest way to fix this problem is to remove the windshield

by the way i drive a 98

[Hondatune02]

This is a great hack i'm gonna do it in my 02