I found out something about my Echo HB 2004 (may apply to other models) that maybe other people here might not realize: as long as my air director is on defrost, the A/C on my Echo is ON despite the A/C switch being OFF!!
Which means that even if your temp is on max cool, and your A/C switch is off, the A/C compressor is likely still in gear and being used. The only way the A/C totally switches off is if you remove the air director from any of the windshield settings.
My mileage is up about 20% as a result of knowing this, and it's now in line with the rated specs for the vehicle. For two years I wondered why my Echo wasn't as economical as many claimed and why others mysteriously experienced the same lower mileage I did.
In every other car I've ever owned, the AC switch is the final arbiter as to whether the AC is on or not. Apparently not in my 2004 Echo.
That's true in every modern car I know of. There are a couple of good reasons for it. Chilling the air with the AC removes moisture from it, and it dries moisture off of the inside of the glass better. The AC needs to be run periodically to keep the compressor lubricant properly distributed and to keep the seals from drying out. In the cool season you wouldn't normally use the AC, so tying it to the defroster keeps it properly "exercised."
Thanks, that's good to know. On my GF's Honda Accord, the switch is the final arbiter. If she directs the air to the windshield, the AC is switched in and the light on the AC switch comes on. She then has the option of switching it off by pressing on the AC switch, which goes off and disconnects the compressor. I think that's the way it should be but my Echo doesn't make this possible, and doesn't let you know the compressor is in. You have to KNOW what's going on to control it.
I assume the rated MPG figures for my Echo are based on the A/C compressor being out, because I only seem to match them if it's out.
Assuming manual control of the AC compressor state, what kind of schedule SHOULD the AC compressor be switched in to "keep the compressor lubricant properly distributed and to keep the seals from drying out"?
I want to keep the good gas mileage, but I do want my AC to keep working.
I had a '95 Volvo 850 Turbo with a switch that would disable the compressor, too. But most cars run it with the defroster. I think if you just run it for a few minutes every few weeks, it'll be fine.
As for mileage ratings, part of the EPA's testing is done with outside air temperature of 95°F and the air conditioner on full blast. Car & Driver has just put out a good article on how the EPA mileage testing is done. Current issue.
As for mileage ratings, part of the EPA's testing is done with outside air temperature of 95°F and the air conditioner on full blast. Car & Driver has just put out a good article on how the EPA mileage testing is done. Current issue.
I'm going to check if the Canadian testing is done the same way; we don't have the same summer temps you do. And up here it's km/liter vs MPG, which always requires a little math to compare. Thanks for all the info!
Hmmm - I'll have to look at the schematics, I would think we may be able to pull a fuse so the AC won't come on. Then we will just have to remember to replace it once in a while to "excercise" the compressor. All I know is where I live, defrost is a must, but I want the better mileage too.
I find my mileage varies depending on the gas company, beleive it or not. I find Sunoco gives bad gas mileage on both my Toyotas, whereas Petro Canada gives me the best on both cars. Don't know why. I've tried different grades on both, and same thing, Petro gives me better mileage....
It's not psychological, as it happens on both my cars. Can anyone explain that?
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Discussion area for all the Toyota Yaris and Echo owners worldwide.
Linear Mode
