Funny you should talk about that "panel" indicator. When I first got my 97, I took it back to the dealer with the exact same complaint!! Had a mechanic all over the controls. He finally looked at me and said he didn't have a clue!! So, if I can stand it, I have the windows down. If not I have the air on. Sometimes it just gets to cold and I've switched to panel but the air smells funny and it does get warmer. Maybe someone else has figured out something??? Oh, I did try changing the temp control to warmer but passangers didn't like water dripping on their feet.

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97F150 XLT SC 4x4 Flairside 4.6 V8 5sp Dk Toreador Red, 3.55LS
ARE tonneau cover, p255/70rx16 tires (came w/235), Superchip
Pioneer CD w/4 Polk Speakers & Clarion APA5240amp, skid plates
bed liner, side window deflectors, reese hitch, K&N air filter
40s-2chamber Flowmaster, Bosch +4 spark plugs, rustproofing
Better Built Stainless nerf bars

 

Even with the temperature **** all the way to cold, I can definitely feel the difference between PANEL and AC or MAX AC. I just get outside air in the PANEL mode. On page's 58 & 59 of the owner's manual (99) it states that the compressor will not operate in PANEL mode and FLOOR mode (it does work in the PANEL & FLOOR mode). So, if you get cold air in the PANEL mode something is amiss.

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99 Lariat R/C 2WD 120"WB 5.4 3.55LS Tow Dark Toreador/Gold Line-X
The Bubbamobile
raoul_oba@hotmail.com

 

Upon closer inspection of my manual (page 54 in my 99 manual) you are right. I was driving with the vent on "Panel & Floor" which is AC on. I guess I'll go for regular "Panel" The only reason this is a concern for me is because I live in an area where the air is cool enough even in the summer to not need AC. So why have the compressor eating power. Again thanks a lot for the help.


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1999 Lariat SuperCab Flareside, Amazon green with Silver trim, 5.4L, 4x2, 4 wheel disc/ABS, 3.55 limited slip, towing package, sliding rear window, captains chairs, keyless entry with alarm, spray-on bed liner, and K&N. http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/~bfriesen/truck.html

 

Dang, i thought this thread might address something i was wondering. since the AC noticably sucks power & gas, is there a way to get some kind of indicator, light, what-have-ya, to tell you when the compressor is running/sucking? the warmer the setting, the less the compressor runs?

also, i've seen about a cutout switch for the alternator. can it be combined with a compressor cutout on one switch for that burst-o-power? i did manage to leave a chebby behind when i killed the AC first. just once. i'm not really like that. really.

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'99 F-150 XL 4x4 Sport Silver V6 5spd LS 120wb SS 60/40 ConvGrp Hooks Skids A/C AeroCover LouisvilleSlugger TweetieBirdAirFreshener

 

P38, If you floor it, there is already an automatic cut-off switch that will interrupt the compressor cycle, most cars have that. It helps with passing power and helps prevent compressor death form high rpm's.

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'99 XLT S/C 4.6 Auto 3.55 LS Oxford White,Orlando appearance package, trailer tow package, keyless entry, A.R.E. Hard tonneau, ventvisors and bug guard all painted to match, limo tint, 5 spoke aluminum wheels, Kenwood 6 Disc, black Back Country nerfs, Buccaneers front license plate! I Luv it!

 

I have a question about the AC on my truck that maybe someone can answer. It appears to me that the AC is on even if the **** is not set to "AC" or "Max AC" Recently I drove to Bakersfield CA. and had it set to vent (or panel as it's called) the whole way. The air coming out was cool. When I rolled down the window, it was like looking into an oven. It was at least 105 outside. So how could I be getting that cold of air with the AC off? A guy at work, also owning a 99 F150, has noticed the same thing. Anyone out there have input? Thanks.

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1999 Lariat SuperCab Flareside, Amazon green with Silver trim, 5.4L, 4x2, 4 wheel disc/ABS, 3.55 limited slip, towing package, sliding rear window, captains chairs, keyless entry with alarm, spray-on bed liner, and K&N. http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/~bfriesen/truck.html

 

Changing the temparture to warmer does not make the compressor run less.
It just reheats the very expensive air conditioning you just paid for.
They do this to reduce humidity so they say.
Most imports have such a compressor light.
In fact, they also have a button to turn on the compressor.
A much better system in my opnion.
I feel we are intelligent enough to know when and when not to run the compressor


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99 XLT 5.4l reg cab larait 5 star wheels 2tone 3.55 gears
Delta toolbox
subwoofer coming soon

 

Seacrow where is the WOT switch?
I don't think mine is working because I notice a serios decrease in power with the air on