Tempmatic question?

[bing]

Silly question but I don't have a Euro owners manual.

What is the button above the "EC" button on Euro dual tempmatic controls for ??


Heated mirrors?

 

[gerryvz]

Can you provide a photo of the button?

 

[gsxr]

Should look like this:

 

[bing]

Yes as the photo Dave attached !

3 buttons in the middle in between fan speed control and air distribution - from bottom up you have recirculate , EC (a/c comp on/off) and ?? :-?

 

[Jim]

I think if the EC button is pressed the AC compressor is off. The AC system tries to maintain set cabin conditions based on ambient air conditions.

 

[bing]

I think if the EC button is pressed the AC compressor is off. The AC system tries to maintain set cabin conditions based on ambient air conditions.

Yes, but what is the switch/button above it ??

 

[Jim]

Yes, but what is the switch/button above it ??

Here
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=8466
it says "the windscreen with two lines accross" is for rapid screen demisting.

 

[gsxr]

Ahhhhhh. So it may be the equivalent of the "defrost" setting on the automatic climate control, this setting normally engages the AC compressor (to de-humidify the air) and turns the fan on max speed. I forget if it turns on max heat as well.

The automatic climate control also has a "defog" setting which is similar to defrost... but doesn't force the fan on max, and allows variable temp (this is the button with two solid white arrows, second from left).

Thanks for the info!

 

[bing]

ok, got it, thanks!

 

[Paul64]

From my understanding, the system in normal operation only uses the a/c when it needs to put cold air into the car, ie, when it's too hot inside.
When it's heating, the air is only ambient, not dehumidified.
If you press the upper button, the air conditioning compressor is in operation all the time so all the air coming into the car is dehumidified.
It's ideal in the winter when you get condensation as it will shift it immediately and also, as you are supposed to run the compressor on a regular basis all year to keep the seal in good condition, this will ensure you run it each time the car runs.

Paul

 

[gsxr]

I thought the AC compressor ran all the time (cycled, of course) unless the "EC" button was pressed...? Anyone with manual climate control know for sure? We only got automatic climate control here in USA so I'm not certain how the manual setup works. For the auto climate control, the compressor is activated in all settings except "O" (off) and "EC" (economy).

 

[fudgitive]

I thought the AC compressor ran all the time (cycled, of course) unless the "EC" button was pressed...? Anyone with manual climate control know for sure? We only got automatic climate control here in USA so I'm not certain how the manual setup works. For the auto climate control, the compressor is activated in all settings except "O" (off) and "EC" (economy).

Last night I was pondering the same thing, it was a misty evening and I had 5 passengers (don't ask), the temp dials set about 22, I did notice that the system was cycling between cold dehumidified air and moist ambient temperature air - it was pretty obvious because the car windscreen was fogging up almost immediately when the compressor switched off with so many people on board.

So I am of the opinion that the compressor switches in and out as required to maintain the selected temperature.

 

[Jelmer]

AFAIK the heated mirrors are always active (or have some sort of temp sensor in them).

The first button is indeed to de-humidify the air and works wonders. No need to throw the fan speed to max, simply set it to setting II, direct the air up and you're good to go in seconds. I've been told EC stands for Economy.

 

[gsxr]

The heated mirrors are separate from the HVAC system, they activate automatically based on temperature.

EC does indicate "economy" and the AC compressor will not run in EC mode.

 

[bing]

Well, I don't recall what I used to do before (prolly coz I rarely drive the car in the rain) but today I was driving in the rain and yes, the dehumidifier button does work wonders. So much so you don't even have to have the rear defroster on - which is good if your rear screen is partly delaminated

Odd I guess, but it does seem that the a/c compressor does not activate if the ambient temperature is low. Not for temptmatic ones anyway. As I said before I never touch the EC button - usually just adjust the temp thumbwheels and pretty much I'm on 20-22c all year round.

 

[Cavanman]

Just to confirm the posts above (I have the same system on my car and a manual!) the upper button is called the "Air drying button" and on my car forces the compressor to run where it might otherwise not. For me this is typically when it is raining, cool outside and the interior has not yet warmed up. Fairly typical here in Dublin...

The manual recommends, for fogged up windows:

Press button (air drying)
(Recirculation button) should be switched on
Turn the air distribution switch to position (up arrow)
Turn air volume switch to higher blower setting
Set temperature selectors to higher temperature

The E/C button is the "Economy button" and when pressed switches off the compressor, as expected, but also allows unheated air to come out of the centre nozzles. This can be pleasant in that it allows you to have heated air to the cabin but a cool breeze to your face; a nice combination of an autumn evening