A/C v Climate control, Ford v Holden

[csv rulz]

With the heat we are currently experiencing, it makes you appreciate a good air conditioning system in your car.
My boss has an FG XT which has a simple version of climate control.
one of the other guys has an FG G6E with dual zone climate control.
My VY SS has only A/C - no climate control.

In todays heat there system doesnt even rate compared to mine. the a/c in my holden is miles and miles better in cooling and keeping the car cool.

My question is:
Are the ford's just not as good as the holden when it comes to the airconditioning, or
Is climate control not has cool as a standard a/c?

Keen to hear peoples thoughts

[Smitty]

climate control and a/c are the same basic systems
the only diff is ...with a/c, YOU switch it on, YOU set the temp
and YOU set the fan speed but with Climate control you set the temp
and it does the rest!

cant say much about the FG air con but I do know
that (since a lot of complaints with VN-VS) Holden get it together
with VT and it was further improved with VE, the HVAC module which
works and works well (and I say that running Climate control in my SSV)

[cashie]

Ford's A/C performance has been questioned by owners since the BA (fordforums has heaps of posts on this).
I don't think they perform as well as the equivalant Holden system.

[feistl]

I converted my VX SS to dual zone climate control so ive had both in my car. The climate control system uses the standard compressor and heat exchanger, so from that point of view their both the same.

On sunday afternoon when it was like 38 degrees i had the aircon on max, and i was actually getting a bit too cold (had to turn it down). Ive always thought the aircon in commodores was pretty good compared to a lot of other brands. ive heard the ford aircon units had issues with the temp sensors (especially in earlier versions).

Only thing i will say about commodore aircon is the compressor seems to sap a fair bit of engine power. Even in a heavily modded LS1 i can tell when its one, whereas in other cars its not as noticeable. Maybe the compressor is bigger/stronger as the commodore is designed for australian climate?

The only downside to climate control is it seems to take a while to heat up compared to manual control (in winter). When comparing the heater/cooler units the manual version seemed to have a bigger heater core because it had more physical space available. The dual zone one has extra piping etc (to make it dual zone) so possible has less heating capacity?

Either way im very happy with it.

Cheers

[csv rulz]

It's not a patch on my VY even though there FG's are only about 12months old. Personally on day's like today, id much rather loose a bit of power to stay cool.

Its meant to 41 today in town, according to his FG at about 9.30am it was 38 outside.

[255-LS1]

Only thing i will say about commodore aircon is the compressor seems to sap a fair bit of engine power. Even in a heavily modded LS1 i can tell when its one, whereas in other cars its not as noticeable. Maybe the compressor is bigger/stronger as the commodore is designed for australian climate?

Cheers

same! had mine on this morning and throught id dropped a cylinder or something, could def tell it was on when i went to get up it. oh well the price you pay for being cool.

[xshore]

same! had mine on this morning and throught id dropped a cylinder or something, could def tell it was on when i went to get up it. oh well the price you pay for being cool.

yep same.

I've always had comments by people that they liked the ac in my holdens more than my fords

[Knawful]

Is the Ford system designed for our climate?

When i drove pine harvesters the machine i drove was made/designed in Sweden, The heater was kickass in so much as you would be sweating in the cab on a 10deg c day, but come summer, the AC/Climate control wasnt worth a pinch of chit.

[csv rulz]

You would think ford would have designed the system for australian conditions, i jumped in my car put the a/c on full ball and had to turn it down as it was getting cold. In there FG with it on full ball i was still sweating and hot.

[Evman]

I think feistl nailed it. If the others don't sap as much power the compressors aren't going to be pumping the same capacity, and the more you can pump the more you can cool. I've always been a windows down driver rather than aircon but lately I've been hitting the A/C button during the bloody hot hours of the day. An added bonus is that it makes my car idle a lot choppier too :lol: I'd say that Ford chose a lower power loss over a higher cooling capacity, whereas Holden made the power sacrifice.

[jsme]

I think you are right. The AC in Holdens is definately designed for the conditions. Interested to hear you can feel it kicking in and out though.

I dont seem to notice it in my car. But my work car, Mazda 3, I can definately feel it turning on and off and it's nowhere near as good as the HSV.

[LSavvy]

Too many variables.

The climate control system can also work as a "standard" type A/C, that is you can set max cold and different fan speeds etc.

Did all three cars have recirc closed.

Did the fords have the A/C set on climate or manual.

were they all sitting in the same spot.

With any auto A/C system, on a hot day like we have had today and getting into a hot car i would,

1) Open fresh air vent

2) Open rear windows

3) Turn A/C fan on high, this will blow the hot air out of the car via the window and not load up the Evap by recircing hot air through the A/C

4) After a few minutes start closing windows and set to recirc.

You will notice a huge difference doing this especially if you are only driving 15 mins home and the car has massive heat soak when it was parked under the Sun.

Climate is more of a set and forget thing, if it set on 24 it will keep the temp at that in the car wether it is 10deg or 40deg outside.

For a real hot day i would suggest max cold running the unit on manual as 24 degs doesn't cut it sitting in a metal shell.

[feistl]

For a real hot day i would suggest max cold running the unit on manual as 24 degs doesn't cut it sitting in a metal shell.

Generally not needed. If the temp is hot (say 30-40 degrees) and you've got the temp set to 24, it will be on maximum cool until the temp hits like 24, then it will keep the temp at that level.

So whether you have it on cold/18/20/24 if the temp is hot the system will cool at the same rate. Personally i have mine set to 21 in winter, 19 in summer.

[255-LS1]

An added bonus is that it makes my car idle a lot choppier too :lol:

rofl same. me and mate always have a laugh if aircons on and we see cops "ok stealth air con off, go stealth haha" cos the things carrying on just a little bit lol

providing no one farts i always have it on recirc too so it doesn't have to work as hard against the heat load

[LSavvy]

Generally not needed. If the temp is hot (say 30-40 degrees) and you've got the temp set to 24, it will be on maximum cool until the temp hits like 24, then it will keep the temp at that level.

So whether you have it on cold/18/20/24 if the temp is hot the system will cool at the same rate. Personally i have mine set to 21 in winter, 19 in summer.

I do agree, but on those real hot 40+ deg days you want to get ontop of the heat soak, when the car cools sufficiently then run it on auto.

Just my opinion, but on cold and mild days let the climate A/C do it's thing, on the really hot days take control until your comfy.

[Drewie]

A/C in my VX SS is nice and cold, the missus actually turns it off at times as she reckons it gets too cold, so maybe dual zone climate might be some thing to look at in our next car. Normal driving and cruising I never really notice any difference in power whether it is on or off. And the temp gauge sits where it normally runs even on the hottest days. Some times after being out on a 40 degree plus day, I often pop the bonnet after parking it in the garage and the under bonnet heat that hits you when the bonnet is opened is incredible.

[DX_]

The FG's air con is sub par, they went backwards to a smaller capacity system, the same type used in Ford E series back in the 90s. Why you ask? Because Ford are a bunch of penny pinching morons.

[maka5]

Yer nearly everyone i know with a ford has at some point had a problems or didnt like the a/c in it...

My dads vt had a bit of a problem with the a/c at one point. took it ages to get cold.

but in his vy and my ve ss there was no probs at all...:rofl:

[ellisjuan]

Generally not needed. If the temp is hot (say 30-40 degrees) and you've got the temp set to 24, it will be on maximum cool until the temp hits like 24, then it will keep the temp at that level.
I've got a VYII Calais, and with mine, it depends upon whether you have it in 'Auto' mode or not. If it is in Auto mode, then it will behave as you say. But if it is in manual mode and I select 24 degrees, then the air coming from the vents will be at 24 degrees regardless of the temperature inside the car.

One thing I've noticed is that on really cold winter mornings, the heater takes a while to warm up.

I really like the way that you can set it to have warm air at your feet and cool air from the face vents.

As mentioned above, you can really feel the power loss with the a/c on, but I'll take the power loss for cool air any day.

[notorious_benny]

I live in Griffith NSW and it gets effin hot out here!!

I never noticed any major issues with cooling down in my old FG turbo. It always seemed to work ok.

My E2 series Climate control cools the car down very well. But I just thought it was going from sedan to ute that I was feeling the difference

I did have a day where my E2 just blew warm air over me. Tried manual settings, tried pulling over and turning the car off and on. No matter what I did it would not cool me down!!

The best aircon I ever had was an old grandpa mobile toyota Avalon. That thing could freeze your balls off even if the tar was melting outside!!
Toyota must have specced it that way to stop the grey nomads expiring on long trips with their caravans on the back.

[BFXR6]

The aircon in my FG F6 is crap if it gets above low 30's, the BF was much better

[VX BY DESIGN]

Talking about power drain, if in a VE with the A/C on and you mash your foot to the floor the A/C compressor cuts out to give you max power. (it’s in the manual)

Try it on a day like today and you will notice to air temp coming from the vent heat up.

As for the difference between the Holden / Ford, the A/C in my VE wagon works far better then our company BF ute’s.

[LSavvy]

One thing I've noticed is that on really cold winter mornings, the heater takes a while to warm up.



If you start yor car and it's 10degs, the coolant takesawhile to warm up, this is very normal.




The best aircon I ever had was an old grandpa mobile toyota Avalon. That thing could freeze your balls off even if the tar was melting outside!!
Toyota must have specced it that way to stop the grey nomads expiring on long trips with their caravans on the back.

Toyota and most japs run Nippon Denso A/C which i would regard as the best systems. They just seem to get it right on most accounts over the US, and European cars.

When it comes to auto A/C you hear alot of the "commodores and Falcons are buillt for Aussie conditions" Conditions in parts of Asia can be just as extreme in a different way and in places like Singapore it can be real hot and humid. Humidity is what makes A/C struggle not necessaraliy the dry hot conditions.

[commodorenut]

I've got a VYII Calais, and with mine, it depends upon whether you have it in 'Auto' mode or not. If it is in Auto mode, then it will behave as you say. But if it is in manual mode and I select 24 degrees, then the air coming from the vents will be at 24 degrees regardless of the temperature inside the car.
Measure the air at the vents - you'll find it's actually 6-8 degrees.

24 degrees is the desired in-car temperature, not the temperature of the air coming out of the vent. It's the same with ducted air in a house/office - it may be set on 22, but it will be pumping out at around 15 degrees on most days.

The air coming out of your vents is much, much colder, as it has to absorb the heat from the surrounding air in the car - a car that acts like a glasshouse on a sunny day.


The "thermostat" in them will run the system flat out until the car temp gets down to 24. It's a shame so many people don't understand the concept of a thermostat & a cycling system, and 'try' to make it work harder.

Twisting the knob may give the human brain a placebo affect, but it makes as much difference as turning your toaster up from 3 to 8. It doesn't cook the toast any faster!

[feistl]

If you start yor car and it's 10degs, the coolant takesawhile to warm up, this is very normal.

Yes, but in this case its the actual climate control unit taking longer to heat up than the standard manual version. I noticed this first hand when changing between units, and the same on my dads WHII statesman.

Not sure if its better on later models (VE+) but im pretty sure they run the same heater box on VT-VZ (Just different interface).



Twisting the knob may give the human brain a placebo affect, but it makes as much difference as turning your toaster up from 3 to 8. It doesn't cook the toast any faster!

+1

[VTSSDUDE]

I noticed my VT SS air conditioning system is colder then what my VE SSV used to be.

[Ghia351]

There have been issues with the ambient temperature sensor which is in the external left hand mirror (the mirror is actually off Volvo's btw) which can result in reduced air-con cooling. My FG has been excellent, but then again I lower the temp setting to "LOW" (max cooling) and then use the fan to control air flow as this cools down far more quickly. I then set a temp just as the wife is about to complain and her "high beams turn on". And my car is Ego coloured/black leather and kept out in the open 24/7.

[LSavvy]

Measure the air at the vents - you'll find it's actually 6-8 degrees.

24 degrees is the desired in-car temperature, not the temperature of the air coming out of the vent. It's the same with ducted air in a house/office - it may be set on 22, but it will be pumping out at around 15 degrees on most days.

The air coming out of your vents is much, much colder, as it has to absorb the heat from the surrounding air in the car - a car that acts like a glasshouse on a sunny day.


The "thermostat" in them will run the system flat out until the car temp gets down to 24. It's a shame so many people don't understand the concept of a thermostat & a cycling system, and 'try' to make it work harder.

Twisting the knob may give the human brain a placebo affect, but it makes as much difference as turning your toaster up from 3 to 8. It doesn't cook the toast any faster!

While your ducted A/C info is correct and rely's on a thermostate

Your info on the commodore A/C is incorrect. the system does NOT cycle it maintains a low temp and holds at that temp by unloading the compressor (using a valve in the compressor) wether you want hot or cold.

If on auto 24 is selected it will pump out about 24deg's (probably 16-20deg)when it gets to that by opening heater tap and moving a heater door in the unit to maintain the desired temp, no differnt to using your heat dial.

On Auto it will pump out cold air using different speeds and modes etc and use info from sunload sensor, ambient temp sensor, coolant temp, and return air sensor to adjust the heater tap and door as required.

Same deal with the non climate commodores, you turn A/C on, A/C gets to 4-6degs and maintains that without cycling in or out, if you want 12 degs out the vent you add some heat from the heater core.

While yes some systems on other makes still cycle in and out running the comp at 100%, i think the VS was the last commodore to use a theromstate to control the A/C cycling.

[Ghia351]

DENSO Automotive Systems' Product Design Department works closely with all major local Australian car companies including Toyota, Holden and Ford to develop locally manufactured automotive components as Original Equipment (OE) and aftermarket product.

http://www.denso.com.au/About-DENSO/DENSO-Australia :hide:

[ti0350]

Took my mate for a run the other day in my car and commented how much better the AC was in my VY compared to his BF falcon..

[LSavvy]

Doesn't mean we use it in commodore A/C units.

I think that is by a company named Air International.


http://www.aithermalsystems.com/customers.htm

Now components and systems are two different things. If we were using Denso A/C systems we wouldn't be complaining about much. Not that the current system is no good either!

Ghia 351, I think they do more of this maybe,


Automotive Components (Original Equipment)
Air-Conditioning Systems
Since 1990, DENSO has held the world's largest market share in air-conditioners for vehicles. Currently, we are pouring our efforts into making energy efficient natural refrigerant air-conditioning systems with more comfort and less burden on the environment.

Main Products: Automatic Air-Conditioners, Cool & Hot Boxes, Air Purifiers

Engine Related Components
DENSO manufactures gasoline engine management systems and diesel fuel injection systems, engine electrical equipment, engine cooling systems, and other diverse engine-related products.

Main Products: Gasoline Engine Management Systems, Diesel Engine Fuel Injection Systems, Engine Electrical Equipment, Engine Cooling Systems

Body Equipment
Instrument clusters provide drivers with the necessary information for safe and enjoyable driving. Windshield wiper systems, windshield washer systems, and other DENSO body equipment essential for car safety.

Main Products: Meters, Windshield Wipers, Windshield Washers, Horns, Flashers

Driving Control and Safety Products
DENSO delivers various brake control and safety systems including ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and airbag related systems.

Main Products: ABS Controls, TRC Controls, VSC Controls, Door Lock Controls, SRS Air Bags, Cruise Controls, Corner Clearance Warning Systems

Please refer to the DENSO Global Products website which describes the fundamental functions and mechanisms of these products.

[mrtockley]

My VE's Climate Control and A/C must be a dud. It doesn't sap any power but it can take about 45 mins to get up to full speed as far as effective cooling as soon as the O/S temp exceeds about 30c. Might have to get it checked out.

[commodorenut]

While your ducted A/C info is correct and rely's on a thermostate

Your info on the commodore A/C is incorrect. the system does NOT cycle ...........

Chill!!!!!!!!!

Notice I wrote "thermostat" (with no 'e' on the end) in inverted commas? You know, that funny stuff called grammar that's sadly disappearing from society at a mile a minute, and only being beaten by poor spelling?

It's much easier to say "thermostat" to describe the effect, as that is the effect it has anyway - rather than trying to explain how the system gets down to a steady operating temp and how it varies & maintains itself via the rising & falling pressures in the system..........and certainly much easier to try to explain than the concept of feedback & hysterisis that the ECC program uses to maintain control of the cabin temp.


BTW, the air mix door doesn't kick in the heater valve until you get it past 12 o'clock, so you're only blending outside air with the chilled air if the temp knob is between full cold & 1/2 way.

[commodorenut]

DENSO Automotive Systems' Product Design Department works closely with all major local Australian car companies including Toyota, Holden and Ford to develop locally manufactured automotive components as Original Equipment (OE) and aftermarket product. http://www.denso.com.au/About-DENSO/DENSO-Australia :hide:
The Commodore systems (apart from the Harrison air used in the VB/VC SL/E) has always been Air International, and still is.

My job just so happens to be within the Automation group of a large global company who has a huge footprint in the automotive supply chain worldwide, as well as process, climate & industrial controls. I manage a portfolio of a slice of that global product, which finds its way into many automotive brands, and we supply AI Thermal both locally & in China where the majority of the VE system is pre-assembled.

Denso may or may not have supplied components over the years (the last dealings I had with them was in the 90s with the condensor cores for the R31 Skyline), but the complete VE system is designed, tested, evaluated & assembled by AI Thermal.

[pelagonia_ss]

I have dual zone climate control in my FG (Luxury Pack) and it shits all over the air con in my VY SS.

My FG gets way toooooo cold though.

[FlatfootV8]

As I have both a FG XT and a VE Calais V8 and I find the Calais A/C system is heaps better than the Fords but the Fords heating is a bit better than the Calais.

[commodorenut]

I have dual zone climate control in my FG (Luxury Pack) and it shits all over the air con in my VY SS.

My FG gets way toooooo cold though.
Going by your profile, your FG is a ute?

It's only got half the cabin area of a sedan to cope with - it will work well.

Aircon in utes spawned from passenger car designs, and sharing those same components have always been good because of this reason.

[Fozdog]

Well sorry to burst everyone's bubbles but my VY Berlina's aircon sucks on hot days. Seems that some sensor has a cry any day the temp is over 30C and a little 'x' turns up on the aircon dash and the thing just pumps hot air. Pretty unimpressive considering my previous EBII Falcon had ice practically coming out of the vents in all conditions... :(

[macca_779]

In my experience both Holden and Ford A/C systems are efficient enough in extreme climates (I live in one). But neither of them hold a bar to how well Toyota does A/C. Our Hilux's spit water at you at times. As do some of the Aircraft I work on, but they do A/C totally different with no gases or pumps but rather just hot bleed air off the engines, a few heat exchangers, a turbo in reverse, and lots of plumbing.

As for Manual A/C vs Automatic Climate Control. It won't make one iota of difference to total capability of a system as they are pretty much identical in that regard.

Off Topic a bit, but one pet hate I have is when people adjust the temp in CC cars all the time over pretty much full range. Just leave it farking alone and it will do its job just fine. I leave mine at 25°C all year round. Its job is to achieve the desired temp in an efficient manner. There is no need for user input in most situations.

[LSavvy]

Chill!!!!!!!!!

Notice I wrote "thermostat" (with no 'e' on the end) in inverted commas? You know, that funny stuff called grammar that's sadly disappearing from society at a mile a minute, and only being beaten by poor spelling?

It's much easier to say "thermostat" to describe the effect, as that is the effect it has anyway - rather than trying to explain how the system gets down to a steady operating temp and how it varies & maintains itself via the rising & falling pressures in the system..........and certainly much easier to try to explain than the concept of feedback & hysterisis that the ECC program uses to maintain control of the cabin temp.


BTW, the air mix door doesn't kick in the heater valve until you get it past 12 o'clock, so you're only blending outside air with the chilled air if the temp knob is between full cold & 1/2 way.


I am chilled! Sorry if I came across as "agressive"

Yes i did put an 'e' on the end of thermostat on both occasions, sorry sir, i don't know why. I stand corrected on that point.

In your words,

The "thermostat" in them will run the system flat out until the car temp gets down to 24. It's a shame so many people don't understand the concept of a thermostat & a cycling system, and 'try' to make it work harder.

The effect you are talking here is cycling is it not?, at no point do they cycle during normal operation was my point. Quite simple they unload using a valve in the compressor referencing the low pressure refrigerant temp back to the compressor and unload to maintain that temp.

When you talk thermostat, most here would assume your talking about that electro mechanical thing that cuts the power to compressor and cycles on-off according to temp. I'm sorry if I saw it that way.

My example of the heater tap and door was from one extreme to the other to give an idea how the system operates blending heating and cooling.

What happens if recirc is selected, does it still mix the ambient air into the system?

What happens if outside temp is lower than desired temp?


Why not try and explain the climate system, i tried to without too much detail mentioning the sensors used to give people an idea how climate does work over standard A/C etc.


Really, neither of us are incorrect (apart from my spelling), just trying to explain it in layman terms. we probably both know how the system works it's just not easy to put in words.

[AzuR]

Hey mate

Went from an FG XR8 into a VE E3 Maloo,

Couple things i've noticed, the Maloo's aircon blows alot harder than the FG's but isn't as cold, although it sort of equals out.

Also it takes alot longer for the Maloo's aircon to get cool after being parked out in the sun compared to the FG.

The Maloo's climate control system i like better than the FG's, it's just setup nicer in my opinion, although not sure if it changed in the e3.

[macca_779]

For guys that want to know how Climate Control works. I have this from a VT that might be of interest to some.

Climate Control Description (http://users.adam.com.au/mcardle/Climate%20Control.pdf)

[R863]

My VE's Climate Control and A/C must be a dud. It doesn't sap any power but it can take about 45 mins to get up to full speed as far as effective cooling as soon as the O/S temp exceeds about 30c. Might have to get it checked out.

I have an R8 2 1/2 months old and the car is booked in on Thursday as the Air Cond is just about useless on a hot day,went passed my dealer yesterday for them to feel it and the mechanic lifted the bonnet and felt the air cond pipe coming from the firewall down the LH side of the engine and told me this should be freezing to touch, but it was just cool, he said there is definetly something wrong with it.

Better get your's checked out mrtockley.

[Evman]

Our Hilux's spit water at you at times

Mine had mist coming out of the vents once. It actually alarmed me until I was sure it was only water vapour :lol: It's never happened again though.

[Evman]

Couple things i've noticed, the Maloo's aircon blows alot harder than the FG's but isn't as cold, although it sort of equals out.

The quicker the air is passing through the less time it has to cool. It's a bit of a catch 22.

[jeepers]

Mine had mist coming out of the vents once. It actually alarmed me until I was sure it was only water vapour :lol: It's never happened again though.

ahhhh memories of my 86 telstar tx5 (ghia woo!) ...hahaha it had the little vents in the middle that used to oscilate side to side and it would get so cold it would mist out from the vents which looked rather cool swishing from side to side. No doubt there was something amiss, but it never froze up and stayed icey cold the few years i thrashed it.
in other news...my vy senator had acceptable aircon..the sisters ba xr6t was miles ahead (so maybe my vy needed a topup) and my current ve is very good considering its black.
room mates accord euro is icey cold much faster than the ve, but both maintain a nice temp when the amibient is 40's (highest i have had in perth this summer is about 43)

[danielsan]

i found the climate control in my vy to be quite ordinary untill i did a radiator flush.... freezes my nuts off now when set to cold. I drive with the drivers window down, was misting up the external mirror on the way home.

[Road Warrior]

Heaps of FG owners have been complaining about the air con in them, people have been saying that the refrigerant capacity in them isnt as much as what the BA-BF was, Ford must have wised up and changed something because 2010-on build cars have mysteriously improved air con :lol:

[185iboy]

My FG climate is pretty average. It feels like it takes a while to get going where as in my VZ non climate I could crank it and get chills in about 30 secs on a 40 degree day. My VY with climate was not as great as non climate but loads stronger than the FG again.

[commodorenut]

Ford must have wised up and changed something because 2010-on build cars have mysteriously improved air con :lol:Thank god for that. I was due a Ford 12 months back (no choice now - it has to be a Ford company car), but kept getting them to push out the lease on my VE. One of the main reasons I was delaying it was the woeful A/C in the existing FGs in the fleet, and the fact I've had a great run out of the VE - only bettered by a Subaru liberty in terms of reliability & time spent off the road. The other reasons for waiting...well I know what's coming in the FGs this year.

[mmciau]

Talking about power drain, if in a VE with the A/C on and you mash your foot to the floor the A/C compressor cuts out to give you max power. (it’s in the manual)

Try it on a day like today and you will notice to air temp coming from the vent heat up.

As for the difference between the Holden / Ford, the A/C in my VE wagon works far better then our company BF ute’s.

Had a total loss 12-18 months ago on a hot day. That time Holden replaced the Fan Control.

Last week my VE Omega stopped making cold air for about 20 minutes in the Adelaide Hills.

I can't remember whether I had used big throttle openings but leaving Murray Bridge after it had been sitting in the sun, and coming home through the old Road to Hahndorf which has a few hills, it ceased working for some time.

Switched it off, rotated Min Max on the Fan speed and then it suddenly decided to work again.

[Peter B - CV8]

ahhhh memories of my 86 telstar tx5 (ghia woo!) ...hahaha it had the little vents in the middle that used to oscilate side to side and it would get so cold it would mist out from the vents which looked rather cool swishing from side to side. No doubt there was something amiss, but it never froze up and stayed icey cold the few years i thrashed it.
in other news...my vy senator had acceptable aircon..the sisters ba xr6t was miles ahead (so maybe my vy needed a topup) and my current ve is very good considering its black.
room mates accord euro is icey cold much faster than the ve, but both maintain a nice temp when the amibient is 40's (highest i have had in perth this summer is about 43)

I had a TX5 Ghia too !!!!! Used to do the same misting thing. Damn the air con was cold in that car - probably best performing air con I've ever had. And those oscillating outlets were a good bit of gadgetry.

[csv rulz]

Best a/c iv ever had was in my partners 1988 camry ultima. That thing would make you feel like you were in a giant freezer.

[EgoFG]

Ford's A/C performance has been questioned by owners since the BA (fordforums has heaps of posts on this).
I don't think they perform as well as the equivalant Holden system.

Only the FG has been questioned - the BF, BFII are the same unit as the BA.

[mrtockley]

On a completely different note as far as A/C goes but in regards to CC sort of - has anyone's VE SSV outside temp display gone weird? Once in a while, mine will display something crazy like minus 16 on a 20 something degree day. It has a weird effect on my CC too because it doesn't really know what to do. It will eventually right itself and the OS temp slowly comes back up to normal and then the CC works as normal again. It's only happened a few times but just thought I'd see if anyone else had that issue.

[LSavvy]

Your outside temp sensor may be intermittently faulty or there is a bad connection causing an open circuit or resistance which may default the reading to -16deg.

[OzJavelin]

In my wifes FG XR6 the climate air is fine .. but it's noisy as it initially blasts away to get the temp down. But this is a UTE and in a DRY climate.

My VY1 SV8 the A/C is probably better, but nothing significant.

[Ellistwo]

I have never been happy with the Holden A/C up until the VE. The various Falcons I owned always seemed better at cooling. On one Commodore V8 I convinced myself (without any proof) the slackers had installed a six cylinder pulley across the range and I was sooo tempted to get it modified, but I was too slack to even look at what the size was before I went out and bought a new car. LOL

Anyone remember the VL air conditioning?

I haven't read all the posts, but I thought climate control used the heater matrix to temper the supply air in conjunction with unloading the compressor? Without it the outlets can form condensation and on the odd occassion the dewpoint drops to a point where fogging occurs. I kinda miss the old thermostat knob and cold knuckles.

[XmFoRdFaLcOn]

Being an auto aircon tech I have to say that in the past the Fords system has been more effective than holdens. The VR/S holdens had the TX valve mounted way to far from the evaporator core and dont seem very efficient, the VT/VX were full of problems and used an awful delphi compressor with control valve to vary pressures instead of clutch cycling. Very troublesome system, although when a new valve and TX valve are fitted, the system is very efficient. The AU/BA/BF use an orrifce tube setup ( similar to early VN/P ) this is supposed to be changed regularly as it is a filter screen and metering valve in one. It is often overlooked. If your AU/BA/BF,VN/P is not as cold as you think it should be, get the orifice tube changed and you will freeze your butts off. I am yet to work on an FG or a VE for that matter but I have heard alot of people complaining about the FG A/C system ( which has apparently been rectified in later built cars ) Alot of people are blaming the fact that Ford went back to a TX valve setup. This is not the cause. The TX valve is far more efficent and reliable in comparison to an orrifice tube. However theyre more expensive to replace. They were finding some cars were undercharged from factory and the smaller capacity compressors werent helping

[Evman]

Seeing as there are quite a few people with plenty of experience in this thread, what's a fair price for having the aircon regassed? Mine is cold but not chilly, so I though I might look into it. Thanks in advance :)

[Smitty]

Being an auto aircon tech I have to say that in the past the Fords system has been more effective than holdens. The VR/S holdens had the TX valve mounted way to far from the evaporator core and dont seem very efficient, the VT/VX were full of problems and used an awful delphi compressor with control valve to vary pressures instead of clutch cycling...........

curious about the comment on VT/VX...
I had one at the time (an SS with no complaints) and also managed a fleet of them (since replaced of course) and
generally not one complaint from the reps who drove them and they were used from FNQ to perth...
all places that life in a car (which is where our reps office is) is intolerable without good aircon

Tyre wear and auto trans (+V6 oil leaks) were the usual Comm hassles but
I just dont recall one a/c issue (and I was dealing with nearly 30 cars)

[LSavvy]

Being an auto aircon tech I have to say that in the past the Fords system has been more effective than holdens. The VR/S holdens had the TX valve mounted way to far from the evaporator core and dont seem very efficient, the VT/VX were full of problems and used an awful delphi compressor with control valve to vary pressures instead of clutch cycling. Very troublesome system, although when a new valve and TX valve are fitted, the system is very efficient. The AU/BA/BF use an orrifce tube setup ( similar to early VN/P ) this is supposed to be changed regularly as it is a filter screen and metering valve in one. It is often overlooked. If your AU/BA/BF,VN/P is not as cold as you think it should be, get the orifice tube changed and you will freeze your butts off. I am yet to work on an FG or a VE for that matter but I have heard alot of people complaining about the FG A/C system ( which has apparently been rectified in later built cars ) Alot of people are blaming the fact that Ford went back to a TX valve setup. This is not the cause. The TX valve is far more efficent and reliable in comparison to an orrifice tube. However theyre more expensive to replace. They were finding some cars were undercharged from factory and the smaller capacity compressors werent helping

Alot of the delphi compressor failures were due to the incorrect oil being used.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=1841226&postcount=40

I don't know which was more efficient, I reckon the VS A/C was ok and better than the EA-EL Falcons. Fords used to go through more TX valves and evaps than the GM equivalent. ie, more dash jobs on Fords rather than Holdens and equal amount of comp failures between the two (Sanden).


Seeing as there are quite a few people with plenty of experience in this thread, what's a fair price for having the aircon regassed? Mine is cold but not chilly, so I though I might look into it. Thanks in advance :)

I dont' know in WA but in Sydney I have seen anywhere from $70-$150, I doubt with a $60 job their going to change your dryer and just "top up" your system. You pay for what you get though.