so this morning i finally used my heater on this car and i noticed that when i switch on just the heat the engine gets a load. I have a EA82 With A/C.

 

Is it supposed to do this? I've never had a Subie with a working A/C so i wouldnt know.

It's normal.

It depends on the setting you're using. Only time it should have a "load" is when you use the defroster. Reason being is to keep the A/C compressor from getting siezed while not being used during the winter months. So the defroster kicks the compressor on and cycles it. Also helps pull moisture from inside the cabin as well.

is it engaging the a/c? why is it doing this?

It depends on the setting you're using. Only time it should have a "load" is when you use the defroster. Reason being is to keep the A/C compressor from getting siezed while not being used during the winter months. So the defroster kicks the compressor on and cycles it. Also helps pull moisture from inside the cabin as well.

 

it does this on any setting. i would expect it if i pressed the max/ac button but it does this in multi and heat.

It runs the A/C to dry the air (more effective defrost, and keeps the windows from fogging in the heat/bilev modes) and to keep the AC compressor from sitting idle all winter. There is no reason *not* to run the A/C. It's good for it - ciurculates the oil and keeps the o-rings from drying out, etc.

 

GD

When I first got my car, the A/C belt wasn't attached so the A/C wasn't working, and when I put it on "heat" the car would jump up to 2000 rpm at idle and stay there never going back to "normal" until I changed the setting. When I put the A/C belt on and the A/C started working, this behavior stopped. Now while idling, every few minutes the rpms jump up to 1300 or so, but that normal in older cars. My 1985 MR2 did this when it had A/C. I only had an issue when my A/C was not working.

 

I have been running my A/C during the winter for years. I hate foggy windows Just my 2 cents...

Edited October 3, 200916 yr by eulogious