So I have a 2001 S80 T6 with the "Auto" climate control function, it'll be below freezing outside, the ***** set to 80' on both sides yet if I turn the "Auto" function on, it turns on th A/C. I can turn it off manually but am wondering if there's something wrong with the climate control system or if Volvo's/this model just turns on the light but doesn't acutally turn on the A/C. I did read in the manual that the A/C won't function with outside temperatures below thirty-something but it said nothing about the light or "Auto" system. Any feedback would be helpful, thanks.

 

Volvos (and for that part most cars with automatic climate) utilize the A/C not just in warm months, but also use it to help keep the car from fogging up in the colder months. This is actually a good thing for the car too, cycling the A/C helps keep the compressor from seizing in the colder months during non-use.

Most modern cars, even without automatic climate control use the A/C when the car is in Front Window Defogger mode, even if the car doesn't indicate the A/C is on.