GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

It seems when I turn my switch to the defroster position really cold air is coming out of the defroster and one of the vents (round) closest to the driver side window. Has anyone else had this issue or is this normal? I dont really want to activate a/c when turning on the defroster.

its normal. the side vent air is to keep the side glass unfogged and when you turn on the defroster the A/C turns on automatically.

it's normal. the a/c compressor is activated during either of the defroster settings in order to dry out the air. Normally, people have the temp on warm while the defroster is on so the cold air isn't ever felt.

Hmm, ok, well, I called my dealer before I posted this and they told me to bring it in, Should I just cancel it? Are they going to tell me the same thing? Just wondering if it will be a wasted trip.

yes, don't waste a trip. it's normal. the cold air (a/c) helps keep the moisture out of the air so you won't have condensation on your windows (fog).

Quote, originally posted by "2005 Vibe owner's Manual, Page 3-21" »-(Defog): This mode directs the air between thewindshield, side windows, instrument panel outlets andthe floor outlets. The air-conditioning compressor will runautomatically in this setting without pressing A/C, unlessthe outside temperature is at or below 32°F (0°C).-(Defrost): This mode directs the air to thewindshield, instrument panel outlets and the sidewindows. The air-conditioning compressor will runautomatically in this setting without pressing A/C, unlessthe outside temperature is at or below 32°F (0°C).There is a way to disconnect it, but I say leave it as is, you want your windows to clear as fast as possible.The dealer will just tell you it is designed that way, and it is, so don't bother taking it in for that.

Ok, thanks for the info!

At the risk of sounding stupid. Why don't you just shut off the A/C after it comes on automatically. That's what I do. Just make sure the Max A/C button is off, because the recirc air will fog up your windows.

I think Dave would be happier with the feature disconnected. I too am in a climate where inner surface fog happens when it is cold out. When Dave turns on defrost, he also wants the warm air. It will heat faster without the A/C on, the heat clears the fog, and you never get that annoying startup fog. I disconnected mine years ago and am happy with it. Seehttp://vibeowner.home.comcast.net/ under hidden features.

you have some good how-to's on that site.

Quote, originally posted by vibe owner »I think Dave would be happier with the feature disconnected. I too am in a climate where inner surface fog happens when it is cold out. When Dave turns on defrost, he also wants the warm air. It will heat faster without the A/C on, the heat clears the fog, and you never get that annoying startup fog. I disconnected mine years ago and am happy with it. Seehttp://vibeowner.home.comcast.net/ under hidden features.Liked your little site. On the A/C issues - you might be aware of these but since you didn't mention them I'll assume you aren't:There is a TSB on the AC-heater door cable where it doesn't close off the heater completely on the coldest setting. Also, there's been a recent thread on insulating the AC return line in the engine compartment, and several people feel this has helped make the AC a notch colder....Happy Vibing!

The a/c button doesn't light up, and therefore you cannot push the button to turn it off. It just comes on without the the light or the button being involved. I guess I'll just live with it for now, until I get sick of it. I am just starting to become a miser with the gas prices as high as they are and didnt want the a/c to be burning up any extra gas when its not necessary.

Quote, originally posted by navydave »The a/c button doesn't light up, and therefore you cannot push the button to turn it off. It just comes on without the the light or the button being involved. I guess I'll just live with it for now, until I get sick of it. I am just starting to become a miser with the gas prices as high as they are and didnt want the a/c to be burning up any extra gas when its not necessary.You've probably never noticed this, but it happens in every car. A defrost or defog setting always turns on the a/c. I hear what you're saying about gas prices, but it actually does a much better job when the compressor runs and drys the air hitting the windshield - that is until it fogs up on the outside.