I've been reading around the forums over the past couple of weeks, as I'm looking to pick up a GE8 to replace my 99 Civic as my DD. One of the things I've noticed though are the complaints about the AC/Heater not being able to "keep up" when being used.

Where I live, we see temperatures that get up in to the 90's during summer, and get temperatures down in the single digits (or negatives) during winter. Having AC that will cool the car down and keep it cool during the summer, and heat the car up quickly during the winter is especially important.

Can anybody comment about this, as well as any potential "fixes" to improve the performance if it is lacking?

 

If you value potent heat and A/C, the Fit's will disappoint you. It is undersized and trouble-prone.

It will adequately cool and heat the cabin. I've been in 104F and very comfortable, but on an average day, mid 80s sunny; when left in the sun, even rolling down the windows at the beginning, it takes 10 minutes to get cool inside. By that time you're there (or halfway in the case of Atlanta).

I've been in 13F weather with the thing sitting outside all night. It got plenty warm inside after a few miles. I'd say heat is more effective than cooling.

The fan is noisy on any setting besides 1 or 2.

It has a high incidence of failure (at least in the 09 GE). I've had $275 worth of repairs (sensors/relays) out of warranty. Many have had blower motor failures and low refrigerant problems.

It is adequate, but not a reason to buy one.

 

Thanks for chiming in Steve. I currently drive a 99 Civic, so noise (road noise, fan noise, etc.) really won't bother me, as it can't be any worse than what I'm used to. I've replaced the blower motor in my 99 Civic already, and it's an easy job to do. I'm just assuming here, but a blower motor replacement in the fit should be no trouble, assuming it's in the same location (under the dash on the passenger side, above where your feet would go).

As for the heat, I'm glad to hear it works fine. The car would sit outside, so in the winter it would be cold in the morning, however I'm glad to hear that the car warms up just fine after a few minutes of driving.

Again, thanks for your help!

 

More like 5 minutes to get past the frosty breath stage and 5-10 minutes shirtsleeve weather (heating from 13F after sitting all night). And that's driving it to warm up.

 

heater is fine but the a/c can be kinda weak at times in the real hot summer days.


i live in a snow belt state where temps are -10F to 95F range.