2001 F150 XLT 4.2 auto

When I run the A/C, it hardly seems cool even if I choose the MAX AC selection and let it run for a while. I get cooler air if I choose the vent option (2-3 o clock position on the HVAC selector ****)
How will the dealer determine if it's working or not? I have a dial thermometer I could stick in the vent to see what it's reading. I wanna make sure it's worth complaining about when I go in for 15k mile service here soon.

 

The AC runs in all positions except floor. You should only run "Max" for a short time. All it does is recirculate the air in the cab and keep the compressor on full time.

These new 134a systems can be slow when it is really hot out and they are especially weak in stop and go traffic because we don't have elec fans in these trucks.

Put your dial thermometer in the vent on the regular ac selection and make sure your temp dial is all the way towards cold then get out on the highway for a while. It should be (I believe) around 50-65 degrees.

 

Actually, the compressor also is not activated in the "Panel" only mode.

 

I got eFans (FAL 270) and my AC runs great around town.

 

Yes the A/C compressor will run in Panel only mode if it is very hot outside.

 

Well it doesn't get much hotter than here in AZ and I've never had my AC run in *panel* before. That's just my own experience. Your's could be different.

Sometimes when I'm a couple blocks from home I put it on panel to warm up the vents to keep that moldy smell from developing.

One thing I dont do is start my truck with the AC On.

I did catch the wife running the floor/panel position earlier this year and had to school her that the AC runs in that position, heh.

 

I wish my A/C didn't run in panel only mode because sometimes I like the air temp out side.

yeah I have tried for years to stop my wife from starting her van with the A/C on, or having the wheels turned, using the parking brake on hills, to brake earlier, to antisipate her next move, etc.

all she hears is "Blah blah blah"

Oh well.

 

What's wrong with starting the truck with the A/C on? I do it all the time. I've been doing it for the past 30+ years.

 

I guess the problem with starting the vehicle with the A/C on is that it puts a load on the engine before it gets a chance to warm up properly.

Yes I know the computer will keep the compressor off durning the actual start up but it will only hold it off for a few seconds after start up.

If you add turned front wheels to an A/C left on you get quite a load on an cold engine. Not to mention the load on the alternator, belt/s, ps pump, etc.

I doubt there is any real evidence to it really causing a problem, it's just a theroy I guess.

 

My electric fans run with the AC on and it's extra draw on the battery when starting.

 

If the extra load on the a/c is damaging, just when DO you turn the compressor on to prevent this damage? Just how much damage is it doing to the engine?

 

I turn my AC on after about 30 seconds. Once the oil gets flowing, heh