Sorry if this was covered before. Please put down the torch and pitch forks OK?

When the climate control is in auto mode, is the a/c compressor engaged all the time regardless of the set temperature? I'm asking b/c I hear a lot about the MINI losing power when the a/c is turned on.

 

I believe that is correct. Is yours a non-S Mini? Because I could see the issue. But with an MCS I don't see much power issues with it on or off (then again I have a JCW).

 

You can turn it off and it will stay off as long as you choose a temp. that doesn't require the compressor to come back on. You can also adjust the fan speed and where the air enters the cockpit while in the auto mode.

 

I have a Cooper S on order. Abby should get here by mid August.

So if the power loss is a non issue on the Cooper S, then I guess I'll keep it in manual mode during the colder months for fuel economy sake.

 

Actually, the car is quite intuitive regarding that ac compressor. For example, it does not power up the compressor regardless of ac control settings until several seconds after the key is turned on so as not to create an extra draw on the electrical system while the car does its boot-up and system checks.

Also, the compressor will shut off any time the throttle is fully engaged for more than a couple of seconds continuously.

Lastly, it will shut off the compressor above a certain RPM (6500, I think).

That way, when you really get on it, the car shuts off the compressor to prevent power loss---all of this is done automatically!

So, don't feel guilty or apprehensive about setting the ac to auto and leaving it there.

 

If you don't want the AC, just hit the AC button to turn it off, and the auto climate control will do its best without it...it even remembers that you don't want it on the next time you drive.

A big improvement was made to the Auto AC in May '04, there were complaints before it, but I have the new version and it really is worth every penny, does a great job, unlike any other auto climate I've experienced.