AC/Defroster

After having a Firestone mechaninc check my AC I told him I had to
turn on the AC in the winter to defog the inside. He said the
compressor automatically kicks in on defrost on most cars. Same for
Hyundai's?

 

It depends on the year and model. If it turns on automatically, the green
indicator on the A/C button will light up. Based on your description, I
presume yours doesn't. The Firestone guy is exactly right. The A/C also
acts as a dehumidifier and greatly aids defrosting. What you have
described is normal.

 

It does on the '04 Elantra if you use the defrost setting, rather than
defrost/foot well.

 

I have a 2003 Elantra GLS. When the heater knob is turned to the defrost position the compressor definitely comes on - I feel the initial hit on the engine and the extra load when accelerating - however the AC light does not come on. The light will come on, though, if I push the button, but I don't expect it makes any difference at that point <g>. Go figure.