How to properly disable automatic air conditioning on a Hyundai Solaris: instructions with photos and tips

Automatic air conditioning Hyundai Solaris - a convenient function that maintains the desired temperature in the cabin without constant driver intervention. However, there are situations when it is necessary to completely disable the system: for example, when diagnosing malfunctions, to save fuel, or if the climate control begins to malfunction. In this article we will look at all the ways to deactivate a car air conditioner on different generations. Solaris - from push-button control to software settings via the on-board computer.

It is important to understand that the shutdown process depends on the year of manufacture of the vehicle and the type of system installed. On models before 2017, semi-automatic climate control with mechanical regulators is often found, while on restyled versions (2017+) a full-fledged one was installed automatic air conditioner with touch control. We'll look at both options, and also tell you how to temporarily pause the system without shutting it down completely.

If you are faced with a problem where the air conditioner turns on spontaneously or does not respond to commands, at the end of the article you will find a section with typical malfunctions and methods for eliminating them. And for those who want to understand the principle of operation, we have added technical details about the interaction of sensors and the climate control unit.

1. How to determine the type of air conditioner on your Solaris

Before you start disabling, you need to know exactly what system is installed in your car. On Hyundai Solaris There are three main types:

• 🔘 Manual air conditioner (until 2014, basic configurations): control is carried out by mechanical temperature regulators and the A/C button. There is no automatic climate control.
• 🔄 Semi-automatic climate control (2014–2017, Comfort/Style configuration): there is a button AUTO, but the temperature is adjusted manually.
• 🤖 Full automatic air conditioning (2017+, Premium/Technical equipment): digital display, temperature sensors, full automation.

To find out your version, look at the climate control panel:

• If there is a button AUTO and a digital screen with temperature display - you have automatic air conditioner.
• If the buttons AUTO no, but there is a temperature regulator with a blue/red scale - this is semi-automatic system.
• If only levers and button A/C without additional functions - manual air conditioner.

Automatic models shut off differently than semi-automatic models. For example, on Solaris 2018 With climate control, you can't just press one button - you'll need to reset the settings or switch to manual mode. More on this in the next section.

2. Disabling automatic air conditioning on Solaris 2017+ (climate control)

On restyled Hyundai Solaris (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and newer) with full climate control, disabling the automatic mode is performed in several steps. Important: complete system shutdown (when the air conditioner stops working altogether) and switch to manual mode (when automation can be temporarily deactivated) - these are different procedures.

For temporary switch to manual mode:

1. Click the button AUTOto exit automatic mode (the indicator on the button will go out).
2. Set the desired temperature using the buttons ↑/↓ on the left and right zones (if there is zone control).
3. Adjust the fan speed with the button FAN.
4. To turn off cooling completely, press the button A/C (the indicator should go out).

If necessary completely deactivate the system (for example, for diagnostics), perform a factory reset:

After the reset, the system will return to factory settings and automatic mode will be disabled. However, please note: the next time you start the car, the air conditioner may be activated again if a profile is saved in the settings with AUTO.

What should I do if the AUTO button does not respond?

If after holding the button AUTO nothing happens, check the fuse F30 (10A) in the mounting block. The problem may also be a faulty interior temperature sensor (located under the center console).

3. Disabling semi-automatic air conditioning on Solaris 2014–2016

On Hyundai Solaris first generation (pre-restyling and early restyling versions) with semi-automatic climate control, the process is simpler. There are no complex electronics with sensors, so shutdown is reduced to mechanical control.

To turn off the air conditioner completely:

1. Click the button A/C - the indicator on it will go out, the compressor will stop working.
2. Make sure the temperature control is set to the far right (maximum heating) so that the system does not try to cool the air.
3. Close the center and side vents by turning the levers to OFF (if they exist).

If the air conditioner turns on spontaneously, check:

• 🔋 fuse F27 (7.5A) in the fuse box (there may be a short circuit).
• 🔄 Air conditioner relay (located next to the fuse box under the hood).
• 📡 Freon pressure sensor — if it malfunctions, the system may turn on randomly.

On the 2015 Solaris with semi-automatic climate control, there is an undocumented feature: if you hold the A/C button for more than 5 seconds, the system goes into diagnostic mode (the display will show error codes, if any).

4. Software shutdown via the on-board computer (for advanced)

On some versions Hyundai Solaris (especially 2018–2020) it is possible to disable the automatic air conditioning via service menu on-board computer. This method is suitable if mechanical shutdown does not help or deep adjustment is required.

Instructions for entering the service menu:

1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Press and hold the daily mileage reset button (on the dashboard).
3. Turn on the ignition without releasing the button.
4. After 5 seconds, the service menu will appear (on the on-board computer display).
5. Using the mode switch button, find the "Climate Control" section.
6. Select the "A/C Auto Off" option and confirm your selection.

⚠️

Attention: Incorrect actions in the service menu can reset the on-board computer settings or lead to errors in the operation of the electronics. If you are not sure, it is better to contact an auto electrician.

After turning off via the menu, the air conditioner will not turn on automatically, but manual control will remain available. To return everything back, repeat the procedure and select A/C Auto On.

5. What to do if the air conditioner does not turn off

If you have followed all the steps but the automatic air conditioner is not working Solaris continues to work, the problem may lie in the following:

Symptom	Possible reason	Solution
The air conditioner turns on automatically when the engine starts	The interior temperature or sunlight sensor is faulty	Check the sensors (located on the ceiling and dashboard). Replace if necessary.
A/C button does not respond to pressing	Open circuit or malfunction of the climate control unit	Check the wiring from the button to the block. Check the fuse F27.
The air conditioner only works in automatic mode	Climate control unit firmware failure	Reset the settings through the service menu or reflash the unit at the dealer.
After turning off the A/C, the fan continues to blow cold air	The recirculation valve is stuck or the cabin filter is clogged	Clean or replace the cabin filter. Check the operation of the dampers.

If the problem persists, it may be faulty climate control unit (aka HCU — Hyundai Climate Unit). On Solaris 2019 this unit is located behind the center console and requires diagnostics with a scanner (for example, Hyundai GDS or Launch X431).

6. Effect of turning off the air conditioner on fuel consumption and engine life

Many drivers turn off automatic air conditioning at Hyundai Solaris to save fuel. Indeed, the air conditioning compressor creates additional load on the engine, which leads to an increase in consumption by 0.5–1.5 liters per 100 km (depending on the operating mode). However, there are nuances:

• ⛽ When city driving (frequent stops) the air conditioner increases consumption more than on the highway.
• ⚙️ On cars with automatic transmission The load from the air conditioner is less noticeable than on the mechanics.
• 🔥 In the heat (+30°C and higher), turning off the air conditioning can lead to overheating of the passenger compartment and increased load on the engine cooling system.

If your goal is to save fuel, the best option is:

• 🚗 At speeds up to 60 km/h, open windows instead of air conditioning.
• ❄️ At speeds above 60 km/h, turn on the air conditioner manual mode at minimum power.
• 🔄 Use air recirculation (button with a circular arrow icon) - this reduces the load on the compressor.

⚠️

Attention: Long-term shutdown of the air conditioner (more than 2 weeks) can lead to drying out of the seals in the system and leakage of freon. Once a month, turn on the air conditioner for 10-15 minutes to maintain performance.

7. Common mistakes when turning off the air conditioner and how to avoid them

When you try to turn off the automatic air conditioning on Solaris Drivers often make mistakes that lead to even bigger problems. Here are the most common of them:

• 🔌 Disabling a fuse without checking the circuit - this can damage not only the air conditioner, but also the heater fan.
• 🛠️ Self-removal of sensors without knowing their location (for example, the sun sensor can be easily damaged when cleaning the windshield).
• 🔄 Resetting the on-board computer settings by disconnecting the battery - this erases adaptations not only of climate control, but also of other systems (for example, ESP or gearboxes).
• ❄️ Using air conditioning in cold weather (below +5°C) without preheating the interior - this leads to freezing of the evaporator radiator.

To avoid problems:

1. Always start with the simplest method - mechanical shutdown button A/C.
2. If deep intervention is required (such as sensor replacement), use diagnostic scanner to check for errors before repair.
3. When working with electrical equipment (fuses, relays) disconnect the negative terminal of the batteryto avoid short circuit.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to turn off the air conditioning on a 2020 Solaris forever so that it does not turn on even manually?

Yes, but this will require software shutdown via the diagnostic connector (OBD-II). This can only be done using specialized software (for example, Hyundai GDS) at a car service center. This is not recommended on its own, as access to the engineering menu of the control unit is required.

After turning off the air conditioner, the heating stopped working. What to do?

Most likely, the problem is not in the air conditioner, but in air mixing damper or faulty temperature sensor. Check to see if the climate control settings are lost after disconnecting. If the heating does not turn on even in manual mode, contact an auto electrician to diagnose the control unit.

The air conditioner turns on by itself when driving. What is the reason?

On Solaris with an automatic system this may be due to:

• Malfunction sunlight sensor (thinks that a lot of heat gets into the cabin).
• Freezing climate control unit (reset required).
• Short circuit in the button circuit A/C.

For an accurate diagnosis, connect the scanner and check the error codes (for example, B1413 — faulty interior temperature sensor).

How to turn off the air conditioning on a 2013 Solaris with a manual transmission?

On models up to 2014 with manual air conditioning, just press a button A/C - the indicator will go out and the compressor will turn off. If the button does not respond, check:

• fuse F27 (7.5A) in the salon block.
• Air conditioning relay (located in the engine compartment fuse box).
• Condition of the wiring from the button to the compressor (wires often fray).

Is it possible to drive with the air conditioning turned off in winter?

Yes, but run the air conditioner for 10 minutes every 2-3 weeks to keep the oil circulating in the compressor. Otherwise, the O-rings may dry out, leading to freon leakage. Also recommended in winter:

• Turn on periodically recycling to dry the system.
• Check the freon level (leaks are more difficult to detect in winter).