2004 Forester XT: Cabin temperature is either too hot or too cold

Point of clarification to what I said: the above only applies IF you have the air directed up onto the windshield. If blowing only elsewhere in the cabin, it rarely will cool everything down enough to cause any condensation on outside surfaces. (Obviously, or else using AC at all would be impractical.)

This doesn't address the question of whether the 2003-04 Forester's climate control system is well designed or effective, or whether one can believe the temperature settings on the control knob. However, the wizards who programmed the system did include a self test of its major components. This test simply determines whether things are working, not whether they're achieving the desired result.

The procedure for running this test can be found on the scoobymods site, at:

I agree. I have one of those vehicles. I also had older Japanese vehicles that did not. Comparing the vehicles now from before, the majority of vehicles now have the AC come on automatically. When I said a lot, it doesn't mean all. Maybe I should be more specific next time?

This is the same as the ice water in a glass cup example where condensation develops on the outside. I agree that this occurs, however I was pointing out that the A/C has a larger impact to clearing the windows in defog than outside air.

Also, condensation problems while driving occurs more often in the interior than the outside because of the temperature differences on 2 sides of the glass. I guess we've gotten off on a tangent or maybe I have.

"A" can be said to be true at least in regard to the fact that mine works. I can't whether "lucky" accurately describes my experience.

"B" may be true, with regard to those who complained here. I can't say whether they represent "all" of the "complainers."

HW

We're getting it cleared up. Yes, I had the two different types too. The japanese ones did not do it automatically in my case as well. I personally prefer it that way because I understand how it works and can choose the best method for the situation, which sometimes does not need any AC drier involvement, and I don't want the AC system pulling if it doesn't need to.

(snip)

condensation

Hey, if we went off, I went too, but hopefully it was productive for someone. I think we have been seeing different sides of the thing, and being a little on the analytical side, I thought maybe the point was still not fully clear. Seems you're seeing the same thing because the glass example is exactly what I've referred to. I just wasn't sure that you saw it. Many folks don't until they actually experience it, usually by forgetting to change the airflow direction down off the windshield (defrost area) when they turn on the AC with temp set to Cold. Have a good day...

Along with not liking the climate control on my 03 Forester, I also dislike the small little green light indicators thats used to tell you which settings are on. Also dislike the room taken up by the moon roof. The track hits me on the head with the seat in a high position that I prefer.

Mine is a 03 Forester XS and have that same problem also. It will even turn on the air conditioner (light on) when it "thinks" it's too hot inside after a while and that worries me. I don't know if it will actually turning on the air conditioner in WINTER or actually direct the cool air from outside. A quick check on the manual says the compressor will not turn on below zero degree celcius outside temp. but I still not sure.