Tech trick to save gas
03-24-2008, 06:32 PM
#1
Tech trick to save gas
I am picking up my new RX-8 in a few days and in advance I am reading the manual.
YA YA I know I am a GEEK... but thats okay because I love rotary's.
Back on topic...
Here is what the manual says on page 6-7 of the 2008 PDF for the RX-8.
"In the floor, defrost, floor/defrost positions, the air
conditioner is automatically turned on
(however, the indicator light does not
illuminate) and the position is
automatically selected to defrost the
windshield.
This item was also automatic on my Mazdaspeed Protege but someone figured out how to disable it.
See this link - How-To: Disabling Automatic A/C - Defrost modes
I know from personal experience that my gas mileage improved when I did this mod and I want to do the same thing with the RX-8... thinking that it will also improve gas mileage.
I am a big enough boy to know how to turn on my a/c when my windows fog, which usually only happens 2 or 3 days a year up here in Winnipeg.
So, the question...? does anyone know how to do this on an RX-8?
YA YA I know I am a GEEK... but thats okay because I love rotary's.
Back on topic...
Here is what the manual says on page 6-7 of the 2008 PDF for the RX-8.
"In the floor, defrost, floor/defrost positions, the air
conditioner is automatically turned on
(however, the indicator light does not
illuminate) and the position is
automatically selected to defrost the
windshield.
This item was also automatic on my Mazdaspeed Protege but someone figured out how to disable it.
See this link - How-To: Disabling Automatic A/C - Defrost modes
I know from personal experience that my gas mileage improved when I did this mod and I want to do the same thing with the RX-8... thinking that it will also improve gas mileage.
I am a big enough boy to know how to turn on my a/c when my windows fog, which usually only happens 2 or 3 days a year up here in Winnipeg.
So, the question...? does anyone know how to do this on an RX-8?
03-24-2008, 08:35 PM
#3
It should be the same. Once you get down there you can figure it out.
Anyhow, you aren't going to save any money.
People don't go driving around with there defrost on unlees your in snow country.
Besides it works better with it on.
Anyhow, you aren't going to save any money.
People don't go driving around with there defrost on unlees your in snow country.
Besides it works better with it on.
03-24-2008, 11:57 PM
#5
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I don't recall, but someone might have already done this. In any case, I find it good enough to know that the face vent setting does not trigger the "like it or not" AC, so there is already a viable way to avoid.
03-25-2008, 10:01 AM
#6
About saving money, I think it will. It worked on my Protege and increased my gas mileage. I think if you can drive your vehicle and avoid the a/c from coming on, that in itself would give you better gas mileage. At least it does on every other car that I know of.
If we can figure this out and it works... WOW wouldn't it be great to get another mile or 2 per gallon...
03-25-2008, 10:32 AM
#8
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As I understand it one of the reasons that cars engage the A/C pump while running the defroster is to give the A/C pump some activity (during winter for example when you wouldn't otherwise run A/C). Inactivity of that pump is bad for it, and if it is inactive for too long, it might no longer work.
It is possible that auto manufacturers have fixed this and it is no longer necessary to occasionally run A/C to extend its life, but I was told this a number of years ago. Something to think about/research.
It is possible that auto manufacturers have fixed this and it is no longer necessary to occasionally run A/C to extend its life, but I was told this a number of years ago. Something to think about/research.
03-25-2008, 11:06 AM
#9
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I checked mine with a CANScan and found that the A/C cycles for a very short period, then has a long time between the next. Say 30 seconds between times when the A/C clutch is engaged and maybe engaged for 2-3 seconds max. Not a big deal.
03-25-2008, 11:14 AM
#10
As I understand it one of the reasons that cars engage the A/C pump while running the defroster is to give the A/C pump some activity (during winter for example when you wouldn't otherwise run A/C). Inactivity of that pump is bad for it, and if it is inactive for too long, it might no longer work.
It is possible that auto manufacturers have fixed this and it is no longer necessary to occasionally run A/C to extend its life, but I was told this a number of years ago. Something to think about/research.
It is possible that auto manufacturers have fixed this and it is no longer necessary to occasionally run A/C to extend its life, but I was told this a number of years ago. Something to think about/research.
03-25-2008, 12:18 PM
#14
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03-25-2008, 12:53 PM
#15
As I understand it one of the reasons that cars engage the A/C pump while running the defroster is to give the A/C pump some activity (during winter for example when you wouldn't otherwise run A/C). Inactivity of that pump is bad for it, and if it is inactive for too long, it might no longer work.
It is possible that auto manufacturers have fixed this and it is no longer necessary to occasionally run A/C to extend its life, but I was told this a number of years ago. Something to think about/research.
It is possible that auto manufacturers have fixed this and it is no longer necessary to occasionally run A/C to extend its life, but I was told this a number of years ago. Something to think about/research.
Here is what the manual says... Page 6-1 from 2008 Manual
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
10 minutes a month and I drive about 1200 minutes a month just for commuting to work.
That's .008% of the time I drive.
Way better then 10% while being operated automatically...
Please, someone, find out how we can disconnect the feature....
03-25-2008, 12:59 PM
#17
03-25-2008, 01:56 PM
#18
Interesting solution.... the only thing is, if you want a/c you have to stop, install the fuse... a bit of a pain if the car starts to frost on the inside and you want a quick 30 second a/c fix..
I will use your solution if there is now way to eliminate the auto function.
03-25-2008, 02:32 PM
#21
If you disconnect it on the RX-8 the air from the climate control system will blow warm/hot ALL the time even with the fan **** turned to the zero position, including in the dead of summer
This is the only thing that bugged me when I had the AC deleted on my STU-class RX-8. If the AC isn't working you can't get cold outside air through the climate control system even if it's cold outside, this car actually uses the AC to cool outside air that must somehow get pre-heated by the engine is all I can figure
This is the only thing that bugged me when I had the AC deleted on my STU-class RX-8. If the AC isn't working you can't get cold outside air through the climate control system even if it's cold outside, this car actually uses the AC to cool outside air that must somehow get pre-heated by the engine is all I can figure
03-25-2008, 10:56 PM
#25
No means yes
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I'm taking a training class in VA about 10 minutes outside of DC. You guys have any meets during the week?