Air Conditioning Question

[jimbo231]

I remember reading somewhere that your suppose to shut off your a/c 2 minutes or something before turning off your engine. I was just wondering why this is and if it is in fact 2 minutes?

 

[rb142]

No, there is no reason to shut off your AC two minutes before the engine. You don't have to ever turn it off if you don't feel like it -- it won't make any difference. The computer will turn it off when it needs it off.

 

[pbnj22]

you should turn off max ac and turn it to anything else once you shut the vehicle off. but this doesnt have to be two minutes before. the reason for this has to do with condesation and mold if the outside vents are shut or something like that..

 

[SoNic67]

I put the system on "VENT" just when I turn on my street. In this way the evaporator has a few seconds (30-40) to warm up and the sweat to dry off.
This prevents molding and rusting inside the core and rusting of the accumulator.

PS: I live in an area with high humidity, if you live in Arizona, it might not matter that much.

 

[koda2000]

there's no reason to turn it off. it's a good idea not to leave it in a/c max for the reason previously stated. i kinda doubt that putting it on vent for a few minutes is enough to dry up anything, but it won't hurt anything. i just leave mine alone and, as i have vent visors on my windows, i leave them open a crack to vent any errant moisture and help to keep the interior temps down a little.

 

[masospaghetti]

Turning off the A/C before shutting down the engine allows the evaporator to return to room temp, and therefore less condensation sitting in the box after you park it.

It won't dry it out completely either way.

 

[imp]

The condensate drips off the evaporator regardless of position of "vents" or anything else, collects in a tray beneath the evaporator coil, which has a drain hose attached, and discharges (drains out) under the vehicle.

Mold? Stinks, if it sets in, and accumulates. There are likely ways to prevent it's formation, which I am unaware of. A search on this topic might be in order. imp