Auto Climate Control

[fbachman]

I have the automatic climate control (first time I have ever had this feature in a vehicle). All of my previous vehicles have had the old-fashioned manual AC/Heat.

 

In the winter, I find myself manually adjusting the system settings, pretty much all the time.

 

I prefer Bi-Level Heat, rather than it always blowing through the floor vents whilst on Auto. Also, as one can imagine, it is unpredictable when one needs to go to Defrost for a while for winter reasons, so I find myself switching back-and-forth.

 

In the Summer, I run in Auto mode exclusively, all the time --- works great, IMO. It's really is set and forget.

 

Just wondering what most of you do.

 

I also find it somewhat annoying that when it is, say, 30deg-40deg out, and you hit AUTO for a little heat (without thinking), the compressor always kicks on with it. I always catch myself after a while, and have to manually turn the compressor off by hitting the "snowflake" button. Don't see the need to run the compressor in that situation.

 

Not a big deal, really, but the persistent compressor is a little annoying to me (VERY minor gripe).

 

Still love the Sierra and wouldn't even consider another truck anymore.

 

Interested in your perspectives.....

[66nova]

I use the Auto probably 90% of the time and it suits my needs most of the time, but like you, every now and then I want it blowing somewhere else.

 

The compressor issue is really just a maintenance thing. It helps longevity of the compressor by circulating the freon to keep the seals from drying out. I have never owned a vehicle that hasn't cycled the compressor with part of the heat settings (most often defrost).

 

My truck really has spoiled me so much. My wife has a Lexus LS430 and there are a ton of features on my truck that even her car doesn't have. Not to mention, its a lot more fun to drive.

[jnpaddison]

I had a Pontiac Bonneville SSEi with the auto mode - hated it ,, manual from now on !!

[VMax2007]

I do just the opposite Frank, I use Auto in the winter, and manual in the summer. I don't like the fans blasting on high in the summer with the AC on. The only time I don't use auto in the winter is when I need full defrost.

 

I wish adjusting fan speed would not override auto mode. Otherwise it's awesome.

[Crazy Canuck]

I find that I also use auto about 95% of the time except when I really need the defrost on. 66nova, I beleive that it also runs the compressor while in defrost mode to dry the air out before it heats it so that is clears the window more quickly.

[wlvrn1215]

never use the damn thing....maybe I should give er' a try

[VT_Z71]

I use Auto mode almost exlusively....except on longer trips when my feet start to get HOTT! Then it goes to Manual.

[GARB55]

Auto most of the time , but every now and then manually change it to my liking.

 

The compressor helps longevity not sure if you consume more gas due to it constantly running and I do when I remember turn it off on occasion. Not sure if you do more harm to turn it off or leave it on although It is designed to be on.

[Reverendbiker]

Placed both sides on 72* when I left the dealership and haven't touched it since.

[Darkanion]

Manual almost all of the time. I usually run the temp at one end of the spectrum or the other and adjust the fan speed and where the air comes out accordingly, to control inside temp/comfort.

[TN_Z71]

Auto @ 72 most of the time (except when I need to defrost the windshield).

 

Of course in the winter that changes when the wife rides along. She inevitably cranks her side to 80+ and I usually ask her what the hell she's getting ready to bake over there.......

[D&SYukonDenali]

Always in auto, except when defrost is needed (which is rare). <br /><br />Between the warm air blowing on my feet, seat heating my back and arse, and the steering wheel heating my hands, winter in WI is tolerable.

[OhOneW6]

auto all the time. As others have already stated, You need to cycle the compressor in the winter. If not it will lead to premature failure.

[AirForceAngler]

auto all the time. As others have already stated, You need to cycle the compressor in the winter. If not it will lead to premature failure.

 

Is this something new for the GMT-900's? I've had several other vehicles where I never "cycled" the A/C and never had a failure. The compressor will kick on when in defrost mode without the light coming on. I run in manual mode almost all the time in the winter, because I don't want the A/C compressor coming on when it's not needed. I haven't had my truck through the summer yet so not sure what I'll do there.

[jdharmzy]

I prefer Bi-Level Heat, rather than it always blowing through the floor vents whilst on Auto. Also, as one can imagine, it is unpredictable when one needs to go to Defrost for a while for winter reasons, so I find myself switching back-and-forth.

 

I also hated how the truck always blew on the floor for heat. HOWEVER, I think I've found a way around it. If you put your truck on AUTO mode, it will set it to just the floor in the winter. Then manually, I hit the button to change the vent (without hitting the fan speed). On my truck, it will then blow where I told it to, but it will still automatically adjust the fan speed to keep the desired temp. Try it and let me know if it works for you. The AUTO light will go off, but if you change the desired temp, the fan speed still adjusts itself. I usually set it to blow Defrost and floor, and let it control the fan speed itself it heats more evenly this way and keeps my feet from catching fire Try it and let me know what you think!

 

I always use regular auto in the summer though.