KRM

You may have noticed that when you turn on the windshield defroster, by default, the a/c will run to provide de-humidified air to the windshield. That is the way Honda has set it up in most of its' recent models. To me, the annoying aspect is that in the defrost modes the a/c control is disabled and there is no way to turn off the a/c. In many situations (particularly warm, rainy conditions) it makes sense to have the a/c go on, but in others, like very cold damp weather, or when driving in heavy or blowing snow, when you are trying to minimize icing on the winshield, it doesn't seem to make sense at all. Also, the manual emphasizes how running the A/C decreases MPG and encourages owners NOT to run it whenever it can be avoided!

Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem that is not documented in the owners manual! As I said, it appears to work with most recent Honda models and I have tried it successfully on my 2006 Civic. Here's how to reprogram the defoster:
- With the key in the "Off" position, set the controls as follows.
- Blower control to "Off"
- Temperature control to coldest
- Mode button to select panel vents only (cannot be selected with the key off, so select this before turning the engine off before starting programming)
- Holding down the recirculate button AND the A/C button, START THE ENGINE. (Continue holding the two buttons) The recirculate button indicator light will flash for about seven seconds. Then the A/C green indicator light will flash on. The defroster is now reprogrammed!

Now the defroster will work as follows.
When selecting Defrost or Defrost + Floor the A/C will still come on, BUT so will the A/C indicator light, and the A/C button is NOT disabled. Now you can push the A/C button and turn the A/C off! It will NOT come on again if you stop the engine and then restart, although you can push the A/C button to turn it on if you wish.

Since in very cold weather I tend to leave the control in the defrost + floor with the A/C off, this works fine for me. Just remember to occasionally run the A/C for a while to keep the seals lubricated. (Just not all winter long!)

05blkrs

nice! you get a sticky

TimThein

I agree that the driver should decide whether to use the A/C or not. My old 1993 Acura Integra had that feature. However, in the early days of my ownership of that Integra, I was not aware that I should use the A/C to help defrost my windows, until my service advisor told me. He said most people are used to American cars that automatically turn on the A/C when defrosting the window.

I'm glad you're sharing this undocumented feature. This month was the first time I used the defrost function. For a brief moment, I wondered why the air was colder than I expected. I quickly realized that the A/C must be on by default and then I quickly realized that I couldn't turn off just the A/C.

chuckseider

KRM -- Thanks for the great tip. Do you know how to change the program back if you decide you want it back to the factory setting?

TimThein

I'd like to know how to change the program back to factory setting too.

KRM

Just repeat the steps that I described in the first post and it should be reset
back to the default programming.

xxhaimbondxx

Hm. I have a 07 Civic and I tried the above procedure, but it worked only when I put the temp setting to HOTEST. Also I tried to go back to the factory setting, however, it stayed in this new setting anyway, even though the recirc light flashed. No matter what I am still happy for this little improvement, I hate when things power on without my saying so, specially like A/C in the winter.

TimThein

I tried repeating the steps to reset back to default programming and it didn't work. Does anybody know the correct way for an '06 Civic Coupe EX? I'd like to know just in case there is a good reason to reset it.

xxhaimbondxx

I tried to reset it back also but it didn't work either. I guess disconnecting the battery will solve everything.

plastics

I just check my 07 Honda Civic EX sedan and the defroster comes from the factory not connected to the A/C. So no need to disconnect

Plastics

2002civicLX2002

think this will work on an 02LX? because i hate the gas mileage loss, and it bugs the hell ouot of my girl that the ac is always on.

2002civicLX2002

never mind, tried it, it works

emadasghar

brilliant post. thank you!

dextor

Has anyone tried this on a Canadian 2007 LX Sedan yet? Can it be reseted using this method?
Also, is this even turned on in the Canadian Civics? Just because we have strong winters here...

AmbulanceMonkee

iTrader: (5)

i don't know about the 07s, but i believe i read that this can be reverted back to the stock setting by doing the same thing, but instead turning one or more of the ***** all the way to the right, rather than the left. Then hold down the buttons and start the car. I unfortunately don't remember which ***** go all the way to the right to reset it, tho, and I haven't tried resetting it on my car. Hope this helps someone.

RBP LX

I found instructions in a Honda Element forum explaining how to return to the factory setting. I have modified them to apply to the Civic. I have also tested them and it works!




To deactivate automatic a/c feature:


1. Select dash vent button
2. Turn fan **** to off position.
3. Turn temperature **** all the way to coldest setting
4. Turn vehicle off.
5. Hold down both air re-circulation button and a/c button while starting the vehicle.
6. Continue holding for 7 seconds until air re-circulation button stops flashing.
7. Now when you select defrost mode the a/c compressor will turn on but so will the a/c light on the a/c button. You can now press the a/c button and turn the compressor on or off. Even when you turn the car off the setting will be stored.

To reactivate automatic a/c feature:

1. (Select defrost mode button)
2. Turn fan **** to off position.
3. Turn temperature **** all the way to the coldest setting.
4. Turn vehicle off.
5. Hold down both air re-circulation button and a/c button while starting the vehicle.
6. Continue holding for 7 seconds until air re-circulation button stops flashing.
7. After this, the a/c light will turn to green and it's back to factory setting!

RBP LX

Nearly 100 views since I posted this and no one else has tried it yet?

sonitex

Note: In the instructions to turn the AC light on in both defrost mode, so you can turn the AC Compressor off, you do not have to start the engine. All you have to do instead is place the ignition switch to the Run position. Also, when the recirc button stops flashing, continue to hold the buttons down until the AC light comes on, then release buttons. I did this to my 06 Si and my 06 EX

02BLKCIVIC

iTrader: (8)

Great info hear!!!

AudioQuest

Works for 2005 CR-V as well!

02BLKCIVIC

iTrader: (8)

works for my EM2!!!

Id just like to say thanks again for the info!!!

It didnt work on my friends DC5 though...

HondaCivicCat

iTrader: (4)

+1 Rep for you...just did it and it worked like a charm...thanks again

Buds302

iTrader: (2)

****in great info man... worked for me. i just did it 5 min ago

RogerB

Worked on my 05 Coupe. Didn't really benefit me much the other day when it was cool and raining. The windshield would fog up even with defrost mode on, and I'd have to manually turn on the AC to remove the moisture.

hmiwb

Worked great on my 07 LX! So why doesn't the factory send them out this way standard equipment? Thanks for the information!

Wpattie

The A/C doesnt come with the defroster in the 2007 canadian model, atleast not in my EX.

User 061820

worked great for me too thanks dude

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

any code for the dc5??

kugmo

Nice, highly informative post...

twowheels

Worked on 2009 Civic EX on first try.
Did not require starting engine at all.

I loved my Hondas, but can't imagine not
having this, or other, forums.

Thanks for being here.