Auto Climate 1-2-3, What is the Practical Difference Between the Three?

[dalola]

We've only used Auto 1 so far, with no issues, even when it was -10 a week ago. Didn't really notice the fan speed changing much.

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[flapjake314]

Personally, I use AUTO 1 or AUTO 2 most of the time to save energy.

i've always stuck to 1 for the same reason but based on the manual's explanation, it sounds like it's just changing the fan speed and not the amount of energy spent running the cooling/heating elements?

if that's true, it is potentially possible for auto3 to be more power efficient than auto1. yes you use more power for the fan, but you cool/heat the cabin faster meaning the cooling/heating element can switch off, no?

 

[rpr]

It goes to eleven. It's one higher.

Coming soon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_Tap_II

Okay, this has nothing to do with our machEs, but I couldn't help myself.

 

[Mach-Lee]

i've always stuck to 1 for the same reason but based on the manual's explanation, it sounds like it's just changing the fan speed and not the amount of energy spent running the cooling/heating elements?

if that's true, it is potentially possible for auto3 to be more power efficient than auto1. yes you use more power for the fan, but you cool/heat the cabin faster meaning the cooling/heating element can switch off, no?

Higher fan speed will use more energy for the blower motor, and more heat because of greater exhaust rate. I use higher settings if I want more air mixing, or if I have rear seat passengers and need to get heat blown back to them.

The most efficient setting is AUTO 1, with the temperature set as low as you can tolerate.

 

[devmach-e]

I leave mine in Auto, and adjust temperature up/down to get the kind of air flow I want (on face, floor, windshield, etc) and select Auto 1/2/3 depending my comfort level.

 

[david_quick]

Wife is out with the car, so I can't see the manual....and I hafta know NOW! ?

Can’t answer your question. You can download a PDF of the manual for your specific model year.

The thing I saw with my 23 was the in car manual was generic. It did not cover MY specific things like the lack of kick tailgate. Also the search function in the car is terrible this is where an AI search would be great.

 

[dalola]

?

 

[load97]

The current auto mode is pretty worthless for keeping windows defogged. I think it was 6* out this morning and had to manually change it. But I’ve changed it when’s it’s been warmer than that. Worst vehicle I’ve had for climate control in winter.

In the summer, I wish the vents wouldn’t blow on our hands if our hands were at 10 & 2 position. (Vents don’t change direction enough). Doing defrost position in the summer for AC isn’t ideal either.

 

[ericNdfw]

I leave it in Auto 1 unless its extremely hot/cold, in which case I’ll change to Auto 3 briefly and then back to 1.
I'm surprised to hear people are unhappy with the performance, mine works great. Albeit, I rarely deal with extreme temps as it's garage kept and I work from home so it's rarely parked outside for long periods of time. (And I always pre-cool/heat the cabin if it’s in a parking lot in in the summer or winter)

 

[Doobster6]

The auto number doesn't have any direct correlation to a fan speed number, at least not according to the manual. It's just about how noisy you want it to be (or don't want it to be).

Honestly though, the Mach-E HVAC system is one of the worst I've had. Its auto mode is complete garbage and I constantly have to redirect air to defrost or make adjustments - despite it saying it blows on the windshield in cold temps. My 4Runner from almost 10 years ago had a WAY better auto climate control. I only ever touched that if I wanted to go up or down 1 or 2 degrees. I NEVER had to worry about where the air was or wasn't blowing.

My experience with my 2024 Premium 4-Xt matches your 4Runner experience. I set the temperature and forget it, ands this covers temps from 15F to 95F. In my experience it’s as effective as any of the Audis, Bimmers or Lexus cars I’ve owned. Could they have done something differently in the 2024 models?….

 

[CarGuy11]

The key is to always use remote start to heat or cool before you get in. Then Auto 1 works perfectly to maintain temp.

 

[Timelessblur]

It controls the max fan speed of climate control. For people like my mother who hate car fans at full power it is great as she would limit it to the lowest settings.

Do note if all it needs is lowest fan speed to keep your car at a given temp that is what it will use in Auto no matter what you have the max set to. I personally leave mine at Auto 3 so it gets the car quickly to the temp I want then I like go down the the slower speed.

 

[AtomicInternet]

I'm always on Auto 3 since the car will spin the fans down for phone calls/voice. The only time I'm concerned about fan noise is when I'm on the phone or giving voice commands, and it's pretty good at handling that.

 

[phil]

I'm surprised to hear people are unhappy with the performance, mine works great.

It works ok for me. Just not quite so good as my old Lexus - I almost never had to even touch the A/C controls in that car. It seemed to read my mind. With the Mustang, I do need to adjust temp setting sometimes, depending on sunlight and the like.

 

[Mosworthy]

Mine has been on Auto 3 - 19C since Oct 2021
No issues in 40C summers
No issues in -45C winters

Like Ron Popeil. Set it and forget it ?

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