Climate Control - Drain on engine power

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Karcsi

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I recently drove a year old 1.6 petrol Mazda 323 with air conditioning in Sydney. When switched on, the compressor would intermittently switch off and on, and as it did so the drain on engine power was serious. It was like turning off one cylinder each time. Everytime I had to overtake or go up a steep incline, either I hoped it would not kick in, or switch it off.

I've never driven a car with aircon that had an engine smaller than a 2 litre, so have never noticed the reduce in power, although I knew the compressor does use up a fair amount. But I was shocked with the effect on the Mazda.

Has anyone noticed the effects on a 1.4 TDI A2? Are they as acute?
 
All I notice on mine is that when I am in traffic it vibrates loudly
(thats the compressor not anything else!) It sounds like the exhaust is rattling

And also whats wrong with handbags????

2002 1.6 FSI Azure Blue DIS Blue Interior
 
A HAAANDBAAAAAAG-importance of being an A2 owner......

Steve - 2003 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior
 
I noticed the same effect with the 1.0 litre Micra I learnt to drive in, many moons ago. The air-con seemed to sense tricky hill starts and would kick in just as you lift the clutch... the effect on available engine power was immense. I was told that this was because the air-con was driven directly off the alternator instead of the battery - but, knowing nothing about the workings of a car, I have no idea if that makes any sense or not [:-(]

I sincerely hope the A2 is better than this - the experience put me off air-con to say the least... Oh well, only a few weeks to find out: assuming it's not on the bottom of the English Channel...[:0]

--
m. Azure Blue 2003 A2 1.6FSI SE with OpenSky, ECC, DIS, Isofix, ERW, Symphony II, Space-Floor-Box, Winter Pack and Auto-Dimming Rear View thingy... Jan 2003 :(
 
The aircon of older cars can only be switched on and off, with the compressor usually being connected with a clutch to the engine, which can be either open or closed. If closed, the compressor always runs at 100% power.

The compressor of the A2 can be regulated in its power between 1% (it's never off!) and 100%. So it's probably not often that it will run at 100% power.

Martin
 
The fly-by-wire throttles on more recent cars help, both my recent Vectra and current Passat had them and at idle when the air con kicks in you get momentary change in engine revs (much less than a second) and the revs then climb back. At other than idle it was not noticeable, Vectra only had 81HP! Have not noticed on the A2 so will try next time I drive it.

Ian

2002 1.4 Petrol SE, silver with climate control.
 
Sorry Runboy, it's still going right over my head. I could search for it on the forum, but can't be bothered. Is it that you need a handbag to put all the bits that fall off the A2 as you drive along?
 
No u need a handbag to have a fight with when u find out u have just shelled out over £13k on a wrong colour A2

2002 1.6 FSI Azure Blue DIS Blue Interior
 
:D ahh, that thing has just come back and nipped ya in the butt aint it hehe u know i'm right:D

1.4SE petrol 2001, Dark interior, Sat cloth, Brilliant Silver, 3 spoke Steering wheel, Rear electric windows and Panasonic MR555 stereo, Panasonic 8CD changer, 10 speakers (2 extra 13" 190 watt each.)

1.4TDiSE 2002, Biege interior, Brilliant Black, Concert II.
 
I am still LOL!!!!!

2002 1.6 FSI Azure Blue DIS Blue Interior
 
ladies please!

Now, Air con on A2 TDi : more a case of higher fuel consumption than outright lack of grunt - the 1.4 TDi has plenty of ooomph to cope - far more torque than a petrol Mazda or 1.4 petrol A2 for that matter! In fact it's close to the maximum designed torque for the gearbox - did you guys read Audi Driver Sept 2002 about potential for 6 speed box in A2 design?

Lukas

only 80 mpg today...... averaged 43 mph over 29 miles of rush hour blah, blah......
 
karsci-the handbag thing lost me too, but I thought I would just try to confuse things a little!!!.

Steve - 2003 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

What's the wrong colour for an A2? I hope not Azure Blue, coz that's my fav.
 
karsci-nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Don't start Factor off again!.

It WILL be handbags at ten paces soon. Now be calm Factor, variety is the spice of life and all that!.

Steve - 2003 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior
 
Thats what I said

2002 1.6 FSI Azure Blue DIS Blue Interior
 
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