Notice that the AC compressor turns on at the 'foot' mode?
 

i just noticed this the other day, but when the dial is set to
blow at the feet only mode, the AC compressor turns on even without lighting the AC LED. wonder why they did that... i dont like the compressor turning on without my discresion. :(

bad design.

It turns on because Mazda hooked up a connection to turn it on because for people who have a winter, will allow the A/C to work so it doesnt mess up when you need it in the summer. That was the explanation I got from Mazda as I thought that was fishy when I found this out. Found out when I got my sub installed and I saw the connection that turned the A/C on when you switch it to that setting...

It also removes the moisture from the air in the car, so that your windows don't fog up.

And yes - even with the setting on "floor", it still makes a huge difference.

But - if you want it off, I believe it will not function if you set the air to recirculate, rather than fresh. But be prepared for steamy windows in no time.

~HH

there's also a long running thread about this at:

http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...&threadid=2740

A/C Dehumidify Theory
 

I'm not aware of any other car that turns the A/C compressor on for the "foot" setting.

One thing about the Protege that I've noticed is the windows fog up in this car far faster and more often than any other I've had experience with-- FAR more often. Given that, I wonder if Mazda decided to shove in the 'foot A/C on' setting as a way to hide and/or try to make up for this shortcoming.

In my opinion, having the A/C unit switch on for the defrost setting is a logical, prudent action. Having it turn on when you've set your climate control to 'foot' is totally wasteful and unnecessary. Here's an idea! Let's force even worse fuel economy in a car that's comparatively mediocre to begin with! Brilliant!

Yes, it's important to cycle your A/C through the course of the winter to ensure it remains a viable system, but one's normal use of the defrost setting through the Winter should be plenty to keep it cycled. We don't need this bullshit 'foot' setting...

If you want defrosting on your feet, use bi-level-- I mean, duh, I think that's what it's for! :rant:

Oh yeah! And a point of clarification: Does this 'A/C on' crap also include the combo 'torso/foot' setting? This is the one I use for heating, and I'm hopeful that we've at least been spared Mazda's bullshit for this setting...

Thanks folks! <End of personal rant> :)

SHIT! thats why my car is so phukin gutless and the RPMS drop so fast.. ARRRRRRG!! stupid AC i thought AC was on only for defrost.. WTF!

also explains why i lost like 30 KMS before the first quarter...

I know that most new car have the a/c come by itself, the only thing is that most of the one I saw go on defrost and not the foot.

One thing is certain, it sure help with the winter moisture because around here winter can be nasty (quebec).

When I went shopping for the car I tried the settings but did not see the a/c light on,(I checked to see if the defrost came on by it self)... may check if it is working without the light on once I gety the car in 2 weeks.

In my parents accord it activates on defrost but they can also turn it off right after.

oups, "once I get the car" sorry about that.:beer:

we should have the option to shut the ac off on the foot setting.
i dont always need the ac cranken at 40F temp morning...i just
want a tad of heat at my feet...and its spanken dry outside,
theres no moisture forming without rain. :lol

this design sucks. i dont mind the ac turning on during the def
mode. that makes sense. oh well.

so far wat i do not like about the protege5 list:
1. AC on during foot mode.
2. wobbly long shifter (easy fix to short shifter)
3. clutch full engagement point too high on pedal
4. brake too sensitive with little pedal movement
5. pedals do not support heel and toe (easy fix with pedal covers).

The little light in the switch is just that, a light that indicates what position the switch is in. In the modes where the A/C is on automatically you can toggle the switch (and make the light come on and off) but it will not affect the function of the system.