GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

out of habbit, I always turn off the a/c when starting my Vibe .. something about making less stress on the system and then turn it on once the engine starts. or does it really make that much of a difference ?peace out,bob

I leave mine on. It doesn't kick in until about 3-5 seconds after it has started.

i usually have it off when i start....I also try and remeber to have the radio off too....rarley do though

off by habit

I don't pay much attention actually.

Off by habit as well.

I like driving with the windows and moonroof open, so I don't use the AC much, but if I do use it I try to turn it off a little before I shut off the car, and as a result it's never on when I go to start the car

I don't bother with turning anything off... I would hope that the compressor wasn't designed to run when cranking the engine. At least that's logical. And from an electrical perspective, the car will cut the power to quite a bit of electrical equipment when cranking as well, so I don't worry about an excessive electrical load when trying to start the thing up...

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »I don't bother with turning anything off... I would hope that the compressor wasn't designed to run when cranking the engine. At least that's logical. And from an electrical perspective, the car will cut the power to quite a bit of electrical equipment when cranking as well, so I don't worry about an excessive electrical load when trying to start the thing up... Colonel, I think you have the essence of this issue. When the car is cranking, the electrical system already cuts the radio, the HVAC blower, and other accessories. I don't know for certain if the A/C compressor clutch is disabled during cranking, but I would think that would be the FIRST thing that the electrical system designers would want to shut off!If anyone has time on his/her hands, it should be easy to have one person watch the compressor while another person starts the car.

From what I hear, it's a good idea to turn off the A/C a minute or so before turning off the car to allow water to drain from the condensor. This reduces the musty smell sometimes associated with A/C caused by stagnant water sitting in there growing fabulous ecological micro-systems. I sometimes remember to do this but usually not.

Quote, originally posted by Sunny »From what I hear, it's a good idea to turn off the A/C a minute or so before turning off the car to allow water to drain from the condensor. That makes sense. If I think about it when driving home, I'll switch off the A/C as I turn onto my street, so the last of the condensate drains out onto the street instead of onto my garage floor.

You have to leave it on, if you have a remote starter and want to cool the car before entering.

Oh yeah, if you turn the A/C off and keep the fan running for a while before arriving at your destination, that does work wonders for the A/C system. Tis good to get as much water out of there as possible, otherwise things will start growing and funk shall ooze from the vents. It's really nasty.. I used to do that to my Vibe, but kinda forgot about it. It smells pretty nasty, either someone took a leak down into the cowl vents or I've got some serious funk growing inside the dash.

like those people that sit there for 5 minutes before driving....?????Cars today are just so much more advanced...

Quote, originally posted by esjones »That makes sense. If I think about it when driving home, I'll switch off the A/C as I turn onto my street, so the last of the condensate drains out onto the street instead of onto my garage floor.That is what I do, a few minutes before I arrive at my destination.

the Col has it... "Oh yeah, if you turn the A/C off and keep the fan running for a while before arriving at your destination, that does work wonders for the A/C system. Tis good to get as much water out of there as possible, otherwise things will start growing and funk shall ooze from the vents. It's really nasty.. "when I had my VW on it's forum they suggested just that, turn off the A/C but leave the blowers on and it'll really help with the funk smell that can be generated.I've also heard that if you get the funk, to turn on the A/C and spray some Lysol into the vent and that'll help with removing the bacteria causing the funky smell.