Anyone tried putting in a switch to cut off the ac compressor when on defrost or floor vents? I DONT WANT the darn AC on all the freakin time! I want a CHOICE! Seem like you could wire in a cutoff switch, and HAVE the CHOICE.

 

I don't know why the A/C comes on for floor vents, but every vehicle I have seen for the past 15 or so years has the a/c compressor kick on for defrost mode. To my understanding, that dries out the air so that you don't blow moist air onto the windshield you are trying to defrost/defog. Makes sense to me.

 

ALSO THIS KEEPS YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR SEALS FROM DRYING OUT DURING THE OFF SEASON. OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO REBUILD YOUR SYSTEM EACH SUMMER TO THE TOON OF $700.00 JUST LET IT DO IT'S JOB AND FORGET IT.

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You are correct that the compressor needs to be run every so often to keep seals etc. lubed. Also, the defroster works much better when the compressor is used to dry the air.

However, I have the same frustration... I can only use 100% floor or 100% vent without using the compressor. Seems like Ford should have a separate switch to activiate the compressor regardless of selector switch position.

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2000 F-150 XLT Sport, Silver 4-door Supercab
Short Bed (Only way to fit in the garage)
17" Sport Wheels with BFG tires, 3.55 LS
4.6l V8, Auto (First one in 20 years)
In-Dash Single CD Player, K&N Filter

Hopes and Dreams:
Superchip, Spray-in bedliner, WMS Velocity Tube
FlowMaster Exhaust, Nerf Bars

 

One negative consideration when buying the truck was that stupid "switching on/off" of the A/C. My '88 Toyota and the Chevy's are set up with the separate on/off for the a/c, no matter what position you want the air to blow. I've gotten used to it though. I can fine tune the air temp in those positions that run a/c by using the heat selector **** and adding some "heat".
My thoughts,
BYGBRI

 

It is very easy to install a manual override for the A/C. All you need is a switch, a 12v LED and some wire. Look in the wiring diagram for the air control panel, the A/C compressor relay is activated by the purple wire which sends 12v to the relay. Cut the purple wire and wire it through the switch to a 12v line. Install the 12v LED between the purple wire and ground.
Parts are available at radio shack for a total of U$10. Soldering skills required.
Fritz

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2000 F150 XLT 4x2 ExtCab Styleside 4.6 Auto in Island Blue with Dark Graphite interior.
Superchip, K&N & Airbox Mod, PowerAid, LeBra soft tonneau, LineX, Ford Bugshield, 2in lowering shackles,
Hellwig Swaybar, Clifford Alarm, Blaupunkt CD, JBL comp speakers, Punch subwoofers, ECM Jammer Pod.

 

Y2k - did I read you right when you said that with the floor vents on the ac compressor is off? I was under the impression that the ONLY position the ac is off on is the PANEL setting. I will be much happier if you are right, cause I have avoided the floor setting all winter because of this. Can anyone confirm this?

 

No AC on floor, panel or off settings
AC on all other positions.
I like the manual button much better.

 

Thanks fellas for your responses. Man, I love this board almost as much as my truck.

 

Howdy all,

The A/C compressor will operate in all modes except PANEL and FLOOR. However, the A/C will only function if the outside temp is about 10 deg C. or (50 deg F.) higher.

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2000 F-150 Lariat, Flareside, Black, SC, FOxFO, 5.4L, 3.55, Garmin Street Pilot Color GPS

 

but the condensor WILL operate below 50 deg., right? Something has to dry the air.
Anybody know what kind of load the condensor by itself is on the engine?

 

Well folks, you know at first it sort of bothered me not being able to turn the compressor off too, but I honestly do not notice any difference in the gas mileage on anything except the A/C or MAX A/C setting. Seems like the compressor does engage, but the engine loading is so light on floor and de-frost settings that it does not bother the power output or gas mileage. Have driven the same way both on and off and can't tell the difference. AZ KID probably is right about the seals, even if he is all "caps" j.b.

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99 SC Sport, Silver color everywhere, 4.2 auto,3.55 rear gear, split bench, stock AM/FM @ 2 cheesy speakers w/Ford brand bedliner. Keep'n stock from the factory because we love it for what it is...One fine ride!