[cowspotter]

I have a 98 taurus se and have always wondered something about the electronic climate control. I always just leave it on auto. However, one day i was curious if i hit the max a/c button would the car cool down faster. So i did but i didn't hear any difference in the fan noise. On my other taurus that i had (and any other car i've used max a/c) when max is turned on, there's more noise from the intake fan turning on. Does auto automatically use max a/c or what? Also, it seems that my outside temperature sensor is now off by 5 degrees or so. I know it's on the dash up by the windshield. Is it possible that it's just got dirt or some armor all on it and that's messing up the reading?

 

[W96GRN]

I thought Max A/C recirculates air from within the cabin to cool the car faster. So it shouldn't make too much of a difference. I don't know what Auto does, but I think it brings in fresh air.

 

[cowspotter]

Yeah, it does recirculate it. I just have never noticed any difference in it. Wasn't sure if i was the only one or what.

 

[sameboy]

from what i read the auto will adjust the fans and ducts until the desired temp is reached, so for example if its set to 66 and the auto believes the best way to obtain that temp is to use max ac which recirculates the air in the car it will do so.

try turn the auto temp up till 72 then hit max ac do this once the car is cool and you will here the blower ducts move and fan increase in sound

 

[cowspotter]

thanks that makes sense. that crazy electronic climate control. it's so smart. it's made me really lazy though. i'll get into another car and drive for a few minutes then think "Man, why is it so hot in here. it's just not getting any cooler....oh wait. i actually have to turn the a/c on in this car manually. duh!"

 

[sfblacksel]

When I have mine on auto it pulls in fresh air all the time. I only put it on max when I pull up next to a stinky car or someone is smoking next to my car. When I put it on max you will hear a door close, causing the air to recirculate. The fan speed sometimes goes up a little, but not always. The air temperatur sensor should be around the climate controls just like on the Gen 4's. On top of the dash is the light sensor, but I could be wrong on the Gen 3's though.

 

[jj57]

The Auto function will choose the best way to reach the desired temperature depending on conditions.

For example, if you need the A/C to 70* it will kick on full max A/C until around 71* then slow the fan, after that it will go to norm a/c. And maintain that temp.

Hence the EATC system being a set and forget.

 

[cowspotter]

Originally posted by sfblacksel@Jul 11 2004, 08:56 PM
The air temperatur sensor should be around the climate controls just like on the Gen 4's. On top of the dash is the light sensor, but I could be wrong on the Gen 3's though.

I don't know where i got that info from, but if it's an external temperature sensor, doesn't it need to be able to see outside. I know it would be an infrared sensor and not just on the outside of the car. Yeah, there is a temp sensor on the control unit itself to tell what the temp inside the car is, but there should also be another one.

 

[sfblacksel]

OK,
The ambient air temperature sensor is on the front bumper, RH side. It is right next to the forward crash sensor. The forward crash sensor is underneigh the hood latch. The ambient air temperature sensor should be a few inches towards the passanger side.
I think first you should check all the connections under your passanger side dash. This is where the temperature blend door actuator connectors are. If you need connector or wire numbers let me know and I can give them off of my 03' wiring diagram(should be the same).