Technical De misting Windscreen

[Alboreto]

If I am being thick tell me, I was never great at Science, in all the cars I've ever owned you put the heater on Windscreen setting and it demists with heat.

In my 500x it just creates condensation fast, unless you use the AC on a warmish setting, then everything is fine.

 

[Cameron1590]

I just press the windscreen button next to the heater control buttons. It just sets the fan speed to medium - high, temp to high and AC on. I find the glass clears super quick, even when windscreen is frosted over it only takes a few mins to clear when frozen.

 

[Nello]

With AC on the system is using dehumidified air (i.e free from moisture) hence it will soon 'mop' up any condensation. I just leave the AC on all the time whatever the temp as its good for the system.

 

[twobigdogs]

Yep me too...always leave ac on auto whatever the temp....

 

[TrevC]

Amen to that, the system is designed to have the A/C on all the time. Switching it off for long periods will let the seals dry out and cause leaks. I gather these are more prevalent with the R1234 refrigerent that is used now.

 

[Alanw47]

Amen to that, the system is designed to have the A/C on all the time. Switching it off for long periods will let the seals dry out and cause leaks. I gather these are more prevalent with the R1234 refrigerent that is used now.

I hadn't heard that, but yes, keep it on Auto all the time

 

[s130]

Also, I'm pretty sure the 500X (Certainly Cross Plus) has an integral electric heater in the climate control system (not in the screen). Wet finger in the air would suggest it is propably in the 100W to 200W region.

 

[Alanw47]

Also, I'm pretty sure the 500X (Certainly Cross Plus) has an integral electric heater in the climate control system (not in the screen). Wet finger in the air would suggest it is propably in the 100W to 200W region.

The Cross Plus has a PTC Heater listed as standard, but I confess to not having the first idea what one of those is

 

[s130]

PTC = Positive Temperature Coefficient resistive resistors/elements

Used extensively in electronics. Device starts with a low resistance and the resistance increases as it warms up. Self limiting/regulating

There are also NTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) resistive resistors/elements. These are also extensively used and a common application is in in-rush/surge current protections. The NTC has a high resistance when cold but as it warms up the resistance drops to a very low value.

For PTC heater look here http://www.conflux.se/ptc-heater.html

 

[Alanw47]

PTC = Positive Temperature Coefficient resistive resistors/elements

Used extensively in electronics. Device starts with a low resistance and the resistance increases as it warms up. Self limiting/regulating

There are also NTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) resistive resistors/elements. These are also extensively used and a common application is in in-rush/surge current protections. The NTC has a high resistance when cold but as it warms up the resistance drops to a very low value.

For PTC heater look here http://www.conflux.se/ptc-heater.html

Thank you but I am an electronics numpty. What is its function on the 500X please? Sorry to be obtuse[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

 

[s130]

I'm assuming that the 500X uses PTC controlled heater for the screen defrost on cold mornings. Even at sub zero as soon as the engine starts then warm air appears long before the water temperature gets anywhere near the same air temperature wafting through the vents.

If it is a film type PTC heater (like in the reference video clip) then we won't have any Vauxhall Zafira type electrical fires to worry about.

 

[Alanw47]

I'm assuming that the 500X uses PTC controlled heater for the screen defrost on cold mornings. Even at sub zero as soon as the engine starts then warm air appears long before the water temperature gets anywhere near the same air temperature wafting through the vents.

If it is a film type PTC heater (like in the reference video clip) then we won't have any Vauxhall Zafira type electrical fires to worry about.

Thank you. Slightly less of a numpty now

 

[s130]

Thank you. Slightly less of a numpty now

Actually you are far from a numpty. You might not know the immediate details/technology but you had the guts to ask and expose yourself.

It is very difficult in modern motoring manufactures "marketing" speak to actually get an accurate indication as to what the F they are talking about.

I think I listed in another post a long list of ASR, ESP, TC, .... and many variations on the same schemes of confusion.

 

[Alanw47]

I think I listed in another post a long list of ASR, ESP, TC, .... and many variations on the same schemes of confusion.

Oh dear, there was a time when TC meant Twin Carb [emoji23][emoji23]

 

[TrevC]

I think the PTC heater makes my 500X the best car I have ever had for these cold winter days! Blows warm air after just a couple of minutes, and the fan ramps up (on Auto) to help.

 

[s130]

Oh dear, there was a time when TC meant Twin Carb [emoji23][emoji23]

Well just for fun here are the ABS related codes/acronyms that people may want to note:

ABS = Anti-lock Braking System
DTC = Drag Torque Control
BLD = Brake Limited Differential

EBD = Electronic Braking Force Distribution
ESC = Electronic Stability Control system
TC = Traction Control
PBA = Panic Brake Assist

ESP = Electronic Stability Program ?
EBA = Emergency Brake Assist
HHS = Hill Holder System
ASR = Anti Slip Regulator
TCS = Traction Control System
HBA = Hydraulic Brake Assist
HHC = Hill Holder Control
DST = Dynamic Steering Torque
ERM = Electronic Rollover Mitigation
TSC = Trailer Sway Control

EPB = Electronic Parking Brake

EPS = Electrical Power Steering
ESS = Emergency Stop Signalling (indicators)

FBC = Full Brake Control system