AC doing its own thing

You turn AUTO "off", by overriding something, specifically mode or fan speed, correct?

 

I think the AUTO button's only function is to activate auto mode, not turn it on/off?

 

What I miss, and I'm not sure maybe it is in there somewhere, if I've got some settings, some overrides, say both mode and fan speed, if I push the "OFF" button, the only way to get back there is to push "AUTO", and then reset all my overrides. In other words, the only way to turn the system back on is to set it AUTO mode.

I've got a vague recollection that if I had overrides, pushed "OFF" and then pushed a special button, maybe fan speed up, it would wake up the system, with all my previous settings. But I'm suspecting it's my flakey memory, that's in fact with our previous Civic.

 

Wait a sec though: OFF doesn't just turn AUTO off, it turns everything off.

Having done that, if you subsequently push the fan speed up button, what happens? I'm stumped.

 

Is your compressor working? Mine did weird things before it crapped out @ 302k throwing a check hybrid system code. It rained and I had no a/c. The windows fogged up so bad and was dangerous to drive. Luckily I was able to install a used a/c compressor (55k miles on it/ebay), new condenser/dryer, 2.5 cans of r134, new hybrid compressor oil all for 166$ and my time. I know the dealer wants $$$$. I have a vacuum pump and gauges at home and was lucky enough to use techstream to bypass the used compressor to suck the new refrigerant in. Thank god for auto shop class and kevin here on priuschat. These prices below from the dealer do not include refrigerant, hybrid compressor oil or labor. I will never go to the stealership. Whenever a compressor is replaced you have to replace the condensor and dryer per manual.

 

I did an ohm reading to ground and had a fault. You will need techstream software and a windows 32 laptop to further trouble shoot your problem. You could have a bad control/'computer right above the gear shifter. In the techstream you can override the fan speed, compressor speed, pretty much all the controls on the console to isolate your problem. I would also try unplug and replug all your wiring harness' from the back of the ac controller. You could have a loose wire.
I know how to check to see if the compressor is low on charge with gauges. You also have a small sight glass by your coolant reservoir. It should be clear with very few bubbles when the compressor and interior fan are at full speed. Slower flow with a little bit more bubbles when ac compressor is low. Is any cold (split difference) air coming out of your vents when a/c is on.

 

Then the fan runs at the speed you manually set and mode (air outlet option) remains automatic or remains manual, whichever it was before you hit OFF. Temperature also remains as it was.
It's a confusing system, even after you've learned most of its tricks.

 

Yeah must have been our previous Civic. Hitting fan speed up turned it back on, with all previous overrides. Saved a tedious chore of hitting auto to activate, then doing overrides one at a time. That setup really discourages anything but auto. I usually go with it but hey.