I just bought a 97 F-150 Lariat 4x4. The climate controls are confusing to me. When I set the selector to Panel or Panel & Floor (with the temp control to cool) cold air comes out the vents so obviously the air conditioner is engaged. The owner’s manual says “the air conditioning will function to defog the windows provided the outside temp is above 50deg.) Excuse me? Are they saying I can’t just let in some outside air without running the air conditioner unless it’s wintertime cold outside? What’s the point of having an AC setting and a “Panel & Floor” position if the air conditioner runs all the time anyway? This truck gets bad enough mileage as it is, I’d like to be able to be comfortable on a 68 degree day without running the air conditioner. My friends Chevy has a light that indicates when the AC is on and a AC-Off button. Am I missing something here?
Thanks.

 

To get fresh air in the cabin without engaging the A/C compressor, just switch the selector to "vent" or "floor" positions.