My brother has a 04 Screw Lariat that I have been riding to work in and after reading this thread I started paying more attention to the recirculation mode of the A/C-Heating system. We are riding about a hour and a half each way and have never had the recirculation mode turn itself off while the A/C was in auto or manual mode. The outside temp has been around 70 to 80 with the inside temp at 72. We don't have the exact build date but we believe it was around Oct 20th.

 

I've been watching mine too. In mid 30 degree weather with the heat on auto, mine goes off after about 2 minutes max! Seriously...2 minutes. This can't be right. Why would you ever use it?

 

I agree Bigsherm. I did notice in the owners manual today under the recirculation section that it states it may go off automatically but it doesn't say why or under what conditions. We were in the truck all day running the AC in recirc mode and it never went off with an outside temp of 80.

 

I've come to the conclusion that the auto shut-off the re-circulate mode has got to be tied to the outside temp same as the auto engagement of A/C in the Auto mode is. Just as the A/C won't auto engage below 34 degrees F, I would venture there is a threshold temp at which the system assumes you want continuous re-circulation ("MAX A/C") and leave the re-circulate on. Would be nice if they told you want it was. Being here in the frigid winter Minnesota climate, I won’t be able to figure that out till next summer.

 

The reason i asked about production date,
there is a bulletin for trucks produced before
10/6/2003.It has to do with temp. reading
and improper ac/heater operation.It is a
prom reflash. Worth a try as it won't cost
anything.


Is there anywhere on the web where I can find that bulletin? I called my service department today and the service rep hadn't heard of anything. At the time, he didn't look it up, but hadn't heard of anything prior to my calling.

 

ggilmam :This is the bulletin sent to Ford dealers.
Your service department personel need training.

Here is the SSM (Special Service Message) from Ford:

17261 2004 F-150 BUILT BEFORE 10/6/2003 - AMBIENT TEMPERATURE READING INACCURATE AND/OR POOR A/C PERFORMANCE
SOME 2004 F-150 VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 10/6/2003 MAY EXHIBIT AN INACCURATE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE READING AND/OR POOR A/C PERFORMANCE. TO SERVICE, REPROGRAM THE PCM TO THE LATEST LEVEL USING WDS B27.10 RELEASE OR HIGHER


Mike