confused about climate control
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: New York
C230k coupe
confused about climate control
ok. I have an "Auto" button and "EC Rest" button on the console and I am not sure what's the best way to use these. I glanced through the manual but it's always easier -and better- to hear from the experienced 
-How does does the air distribution work with "Auto" selected?
-Is "EC" an "Auto" without air conditioning? so does this mean if it gets too hot, it will shut itself off until it is triggered by a temperature fall?
-I figured I can activate "EC" too when "Auto" is on but when "EC" is on by itself, pressing "Auto" will deactivate "EC". What is going on?
-In general should I usually leave it on "Auto"?
It's getting cold around here and it would be nice to master the climate control.
-How does does the air distribution work with "Auto" selected?
-Is "EC" an "Auto" without air conditioning? so does this mean if it gets too hot, it will shut itself off until it is triggered by a temperature fall?
-I figured I can activate "EC" too when "Auto" is on but when "EC" is on by itself, pressing "Auto" will deactivate "EC". What is going on?
-In general should I usually leave it on "Auto"?
It's getting cold around here and it would be nice to master the climate control.
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'01 C240/6
It is confusing, and I'm not sure anyone really fully understands how it works!
I thought that if you selected Auto, it would automatically try to get to whatever temperature you have selected. So, if you put it to 72, and its 82 inside the car, it will kick on the AC compressor to cool the car down.
I understood that if you selected EC (in addition to Auto), you are in "Economy" mode. The car will still try to regulate to whatever temp you set, EXCEPT in EC the AC compressor will NOT go on. So, if you select 72 and its 82 in the car, it will try to cool it down using just the fan (of course, it will never get to 72 without the compressor, but it will try).
The thing that seems to happen, though, is when you select EC it shuts down the compressor, but also goes into some kind of recirculation mode. I've found with EC on, the interior tends to get very stuffy and humid.
I am not one who likes to run the compressor at all times. I would like it if I could just get some straight damn fresh air through the vents, but the it seems difficult to get just straight, unprocessed air.
So, now I just leave it on Auto all the time. Its the easiest and seems to keep the interior air the freshest.
I thought that if you selected Auto, it would automatically try to get to whatever temperature you have selected. So, if you put it to 72, and its 82 inside the car, it will kick on the AC compressor to cool the car down.
I understood that if you selected EC (in addition to Auto), you are in "Economy" mode. The car will still try to regulate to whatever temp you set, EXCEPT in EC the AC compressor will NOT go on. So, if you select 72 and its 82 in the car, it will try to cool it down using just the fan (of course, it will never get to 72 without the compressor, but it will try).
The thing that seems to happen, though, is when you select EC it shuts down the compressor, but also goes into some kind of recirculation mode. I've found with EC on, the interior tends to get very stuffy and humid.
I am not one who likes to run the compressor at all times. I would like it if I could just get some straight damn fresh air through the vents, but the it seems difficult to get just straight, unprocessed air.
So, now I just leave it on Auto all the time. Its the easiest and seems to keep the interior air the freshest.
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
SoCal, you've got it pretty much correct. The "EC/Rest" button actually serves a dual purpose. With the engine running, it means "economy" mode, which does disengage the AC compressor. (Some of us have noted that the cold air does not stop being produced for several minutes after engaging EC mode). If you leave the system in "auto", it will try to cool the car (if necessary) w/o the compressor. Usually, I also take the system out of "auto" when I use "EC" so that the fan does not kick up faster and faster trying to cool the car. This is when I just want outside air through the upper vents. (btw, I've had several automatic climate systems, and this one works very well, IMO). The "EC/Rest" button, if pressed when the engine was just shut off, provides the "Rest" function. This will distribute "still warm" air from the heat vents in cold weather at a low fan setting, or coolish air from the upper vents in warm weather to provide some ventilation for any passengers still in the car. I believe the "Rest" function will run for about 10 minutes and then shut off, or you can press the button again to turn it off.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
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'01 C240/6
But why does it seem so humid when the EC is activated? Like it is recirculating air, or cutting off outside air from coming in?
What I would really like, and what would suit my climate, is no ac compressor and just pure, unprocessed air blowing through the vents. I can't seem to get that!
What I would really like, and what would suit my climate, is no ac compressor and just pure, unprocessed air blowing through the vents. I can't seem to get that!
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From: Newport Coast, CA
'00 C280W, Obsidian Black/Charcoal
The "REST" function lasts for 30 minutes unless the battery voltage drops below 11.0 VDC wherein it will shut down before the time period. ...RAB
Originally posted by MarkL
I believe the "Rest" function will run for about 10 minutes and then shut off, or you can press the button again to turn it off.
Hope this helps.
I believe the "Rest" function will run for about 10 minutes and then shut off, or you can press the button again to turn it off.
Hope this helps.
