2017 Climate control software bug or "user error"??

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Jebb

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When I use Climate Control in manual mode ("Auto" off) the AC compressor comes on randomly even though it's turned off. I get normal outside air temp for a while (what I want) followed by random periods of super cold air.

Defroster is not turned on and vent is set to "Head" position.

Is this a bug in the Climate Control system - or is there something I'm not understanding about how this system works? I assumed "manual mode" should work like traditional temp and fan controls. All I want is fresh outside air coming in - no AC.

Truck is brand new and I want to make sure this isn't "user error" before I return to dealer.
 

RamCares

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When I use Climate Control in manual mode ("Auto" off) the AC compressor comes on randomly even though it's turned off. I get normal outside air temp for a while (what I want) followed by random periods of super cold air.

Defroster is not turned on and vent is set to "Head" position.

Is this a bug in the Climate Control system - or is there something I'm not understanding about how this system works? I assumed "manual mode" should work like traditional temp and fan controls. All I want is fresh outside air coming in - no AC.

Truck is brand new and I want to make sure this isn't "user error" before I return to dealer.

Hi Jebb,

Congrats on your new truck! Here is a short video on how to use the manual AC temperature controls in your vehicle. Starting at :28 seconds you can see that your vehicle will continue to regulate the air coming through the vents from outside depending on what you have the dial set at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhcqX4CG1FI&list=PL4p-E2W-FgV2DnqK_a3qxz3v6qGc2oLm4&index=3

Feel free to PM our page with any additional questions!

Andrea
Ram Social Care Specialist
 
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Jebb

Jebb

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Starting at :28 seconds you can see that your vehicle will continue to regulate the air coming through the vents from outside depending on what you have the dial set at.
So the system is basically ALWAYS in auto mode, i.e., trying to maintain the constant set temp? That seems to defy what "manual" means to me. What then is the purpose of manual mode?

And what's the purpose of the "AC" switch if AC comes on any time the set temp is lower than outside air temp anyway regardless of mode setting?

I suspect the reason most people don't ask about this is because they always leave it in Auto mode.

I don't get it. Makes no sense to me.
 
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Jebb

Jebb

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Can anyone else with the Automatic Climate Control system tell me if their system works the same in "Manual Mode" as I described above?

I'm trying to find out if this is software bug or if there is something wrong with MY truck.

Issue is that AC comes on randomly when CC system is in manual mode even if "AC" switch is off. (I expect "manual mode" to work like the manual HVAC system - AC compressor should not come on unless you TURN it on via AC switch or defroster.)
 

stimpy433

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I was thinking I read somewhere that the compressor would randomly come on every once in a while if the humidity levels in the outside air was too high to keep the interior from getting damp and moldy.... I've been trying to find where I saw it but no luck so far.

I found this little bit of info in the owners manual:

NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in MIX
and DEFROST, or a blend of these modes even if the A/C
button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to help
dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use these
modes only when necessary.
 
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Jebb

Jebb

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I found this little bit of info in the owners manual:

NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in MIX
and DEFROST, or a blend of these modes even if the A/C
button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to help
dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use these
modes only when necessary.
Yes, thank you, I saw that and that's how traditional "manual" systems typically work. But I made sure to only have upper vents on and no defrost and it made no difference - AC still comes on randomly.

Everything else seems to work properly so I'm starting to think there is a flaw in the software. A hardware issue wouldn't likely cause the AC to turn on all by itself (unless there was a short in the relay or something - but works fine in "Auto" mode so that doesn't seem likely).

Anyhow - long story short - I simply want a "vent" function to bring in outside air without the AC compressor turning on. Any way to do that?
 

grizzstang

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I have noticed this too.

Vent is on, AC is off but the temp is turned down and the air coming in is far too cold for outside air. I turn the temp up to just below the middle but I could not tell you if the compressor is still cycling.
 

spydie

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For many years, AC pumps have cycled automatically on all cars/trucks. They do this to cycle the compressor as that adds to the longevity. In years past, before this feature, people wouldn't run their AC for many months during the winter months and when they needed it in the summer, the pump wouldn't work. By cycling your AC pump it keeps it working smoothly. There is no way to turn this feature off.
 
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Jebb

Jebb

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I have noticed this too.

Vent is on, AC is off but the temp is turned down and the air coming in is far too cold for outside air. I turn the temp up to just below the middle but I could not tell you if the compressor is still cycling.
Thanks for confirming.

Its seems there is an oversight/error in the software and instead of fixing it they try to convince you it's SUPPOSED to be that way. Nice.
 
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Jebb

Jebb

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For many years, AC pumps have cycled automatically on all cars/trucks. They do this to cycle the compressor as that adds to the longevity. In years past, before this feature, people wouldn't run their AC for many months during the winter months and when they needed it in the summer, the pump wouldn't work. By cycling your AC pump it keeps it working smoothly.

Right, that's why the owner's manual says this: "The air conditioning compressor operates in MIX and DEFROST, or a blend of these modes even if the A/C button is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the windshield."

There is no way to turn this feature off.

Then how do you do this: "To improve fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary."?

If you can't shut off the AC in any mode the system is broken.
 
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