Saving gas with higher A/C temperature?

[xinuflux]

Anyone know if raising the GAGT cabin temperature causes the air conditioner compressor to run less frequently or if it just sends hot air to mix with the cold air?

[tenspeed]

I usually leave mine on the coldest setting and turn the fan speed down if it gets too cold. I've had the condensation form on the side windows when I stop...

I would think that the A/C compressor would cycle off when it gets cold enough but who knows what the GM engineers came up with.

[xinuflux]

That's what I've been doing too. I've got the MPG up to 30 if I take the right non-highway roads but want to squeeze as much as I can.

There was a mention of cycling off in a Popular Mechanics webpage - they said it depends on the car but didn't give any specifics. You'd think (wish?) GM would have it the same way across all their vehicles. Whichever way that is :)

[daman]

Anyone know if raising the GAGT cabin temperature causes the air conditioner compressor to run less frequently or if it just sends hot air to mix with the cold air?
I beleive this year has the V5 compressor witch always will turn....

The variable stroke compressor control valves are calibrated to destroke the compressor at the stated pressures-- this is to avoid evaporator freeze-up while maintaining maximum efficiency (cooling),so in terms turning the temp up or down may or may not help because the pump is always turning.

[RickHigginsHtbr]

Just throwing this out there, I refilled my ex's AC 2 weeks ago with some kit from target that actually lubricates the compressor system. She's telling me her car in general is running a lot smoother and she has an increase in MPG by 3 or 4 since I did it. She's driving a 02 Hyundai Elantra with 82-ish,XXX miles. I forget what it was called but it was a silver kit and cost around $30 IIRC. Think I'm going to go pick it up for myself, although I rarely use my AC, my car sucks when its on.

[Matt95GT]

Anyone know if raising the GAGT cabin temperature causes the air conditioner compressor to run less frequently or if it just sends hot air to mix with the cold air?

The cold/hot knob simply controls how much hot air (from heater core) gets mixed in. In other words, just leave it on cold... it won't save you gas.