HVAC Functions

[MassHoe04]

Coming from a 100% manual everything Jeep TJ to my recently purchased 04 Tahoe Z71...

Outside temps below 40F. HVAC on AUTO and set to 78F (I like it on the warm side in winter).

I am still learning the technology and features, so apologies in advance for this potentially stupid question:
Why does the snowflake symbol display on the control?
What is the system actually doing there?

Engine has already warmed up.
I would expect heat, not AC to be running.

I am sure someone will have the answer out there.

Thanks!

 

[Fless]

It just shows you that it's going to cycle the A/C compressor. Seal maintenance.

 

[swathdiver]

Coming from a 100% manual everything Jeep TJ to my recently purchased 04 Tahoe Z71...

Outside temps below 40F. HVAC on AUTO and set to 78F (I like it on the warm side in winter).

I am still learning the technology and features, so apologies in advance for this potentially stupid question:
Why does the snowflake symbol display on the control?
What is the system actually doing there?

Engine has already warmed up.
I would expect heat, not AC to be running.

I am sure someone will have the answer out there.

Thanks!

View attachment 360971

Compressor runs and acts as a dehumidifier.

 

[MassHoe04]

Thanks Fless and Swathdiver! I was worried that something was haywire in the electronics controlling the system...

This is the first vehicle to have any significant amount of built-in intelligence, that I have owned in a long time.

Id do like having all the perks now, but it is almost scary...
Having a vehicle that knows what to do and when to do things better than me!

In terms of technology, it feels like I went from flying a simple P-51 Mustang from WWII and upgraded to an F-16.
Ok, maybe not as advanced as an F16. But, the Tahoe is at least the equivalent of upgrading to F-4 Phantom... LOL

If you are an ex-military pilot, thank you for your service!
Please cut me a little slack in the use of my comparative analogies here.
No need to go off the rails on which examples I did not mention are more advanced and why.
Just trying to make a point that, depending on the vehicles compared, the gap in the level of technology (especially pre-2010 models) can be huge.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Auto turns a/c compressor on for dehumidification

But you can 'customize' auto a little bit

You can press the a/c button to disable this feature

You can also override the vent control and let it sort fan speed for you.

And if you press and hold auto - it'll sync driver/passenger temps with the driver's side, so you only have to turn one knob.

 

[MassHoe04]

Auto turns a/c compressor on for dehumidification

But you can 'customize' auto a little bit

You can press the a/c button to disable this feature

You can also override the vent control and let it sort fan speed for you.

And if you press and hold auto - it'll sync driver/passenger temps with the driver's side, so you only have to turn one knob.

Thanks @SnowDrifter for the Reader's Digest cheat sheet.
The gadget learning curve has been a big leap, coming from a bare-bones Jeep TJ.