You know, I've noticed the same thing. Funny, when it's in "Max A/C", it runs pretty nice and cold. When I put it in "A/C" or "Panel" and I'm moving, I notice it blows harder and cooler than "Max A/C"...sometimes I put it in Max A/C just so I won't freeze (granted I could adjust my temp settings, but who does that?). Weird.

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2001 F-150 SuperCrew XLT Harvest Gold
4x4 Package/3.55 Limited Slip
5.4L V-8
Tow Package
Rhino Bed Liner
6-disc CD
Westin Nerf Bars
Remote Keyless Entry
Clifford Anti-Theft
www.supercrew.org (coming soon)

 

My compressor runs in the "A/C", "MAX A/C" and "PANEL/FLOOR" position. My owners manual states that is correct. No AC when in "Panel"

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2001 F150 Supercrew 4X2 (Gen III), Lariat, Arizona Beige Metallic, 5.4L, Towing Package, 3.55 LSD, Moonroof, Captains Chairs, Premium Sound, Extender
Ordered 12/14/2000, Received 2/9/2001 Life is Good...
Modifications:
Line X bedliner, Ford factory splashguards, Black Westin Step Bars, Aux Back Up Lights, Advance Cover folding hard cover, Extender Lock, Husky Floor mats, New Factory Ford transmission (replaced at 2100 miles)

 

If I remember correctly from the owner's manual, the setting for panel/floor does use the AC. I noticed this when I would switch to that setting and you can hear the compressor kick in. However, I think the "panel" only and the "floor" only settings should be for ventilation (without AC).

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2001 Supercrew Loaded
Oxford White
Lightning Front End and Wheels
Supercharger to come!!

 

I noticed this too and mentioned it to a friend. I can't believe they actually designed it that way. If I wanted the AC on I'd turn it to AC!

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<A HREF="http://www.f150world.com/LakeFisher/" TARGET=_blank> Click for more pic's of my S'Crew</A>


2001 SuperCrew XLT 4x4 GenIII - Ordered: 2/17/2001, Received: 4/03/2001
Black/Dk Graphite, 5.4L, Capt Chairs, CD Chgr, Lmtd Slip, Tow Pkg, Skid Plates, Sliding Rear Window

Mods:
Ford Tubular Nerf Bars, Ford/Duraliner Bedliner, Ford Bugshield
305/70R16 Cooper A/T's on 16x8 Eagle 143's
Ravin Z55 Performance Dual Exhaust with 3" Chrome tips
GoRhino Sumatra 3000 Grille Guard
PIAA 520 Lights
K&N Filter
Helix Power Tower

Mods coming soon:
Stull Billet Grille

Future Mods:
SuperChip
Bed Cap
AAD F1-Hood

 

It will come on if the outside temp is above 42 degress F. I was driving around with it on for wuite awhile until I read that little book that comes with the truck. Now I'm getting better MPG. Strange.

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2001 S-CREW 5.4L 3.55LS

 

No s?!t,
So that the knock I hear everytime I put it into Panel/Floor.
That is the dumbest thing, but now that I know, perhaps my mileage will go up also.
Thanks for bringing up the topic WoodSCrew!

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Craig Brossman
2001 SCrew 5.4L 4WD Lariat
Az Beige/Wedgewood Blue
Cpts. chairs, Moon roof, Tow package, CD changer
3.55 lim. slip, Rear slider, Skid plates
Mods:Ford Bedliner, Ford BugGaurd, Westin Step Bar, WeatherBoot Floor Mats, SC Radiator

 

Yea, I read a similar post on Edmunds.com. Here I thought that I was saving some fuel by using the Panel/Floor instead of A/C, when come to find out the A/C was actually running.

I'm pretty cold natured, so I didn't have the temp control all the way on cold, and therefore didn't feel that the compressor was running, just fresh air circulation. Really feel stupid now!

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2001 SuperCrew XLT
Southern Appearance Package 47F
Deep Wedgewood Blue
5.4L 2WD
3.55 Limited Slip Diff
Cloth/Power Cap Chairs
Tow Package
6 Disk CD changer
Sliding Rear Window
Cort Running Boards
Downey Tonneau Cover
Lund Interceptor Bug Deflector
Ford Duraliner BedLiner

 

I thought I read/heard somewhere that the A/C would kick in only on the panel, and floor/panel positions if the temp control was all the way to cold? I just can't remember where I heard that, dealer maybe? I will have to test this theory.

On another note if any of you guys start to feel that your A/C is not cold enough take it to the dealer. I had my compressor replaced about 2 months ago.

 

My air conditioning is running even when I have the switch in just the panel or panel & floor setting. I have the manual system which includes switch settings for A/C and MAX A/C. Has anyone else had this problem?

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'01 SuperCrew 4X4 Lariat
DW Blue w/Beige 2-Tone
5.4 L V8
3.55 Limited Slip Differential
Class III Tow Group
Skid Plates
Rear Sliding Window
Heated Bench Seats
6 CD Changer
Factory Cab Steps
Cargo Bed Extender

Mods:
Ford Duraliner Bed Liner
Lund Interceptor Bug Shield
Ford Mud Shields
Street Scenes Grille

 

 

Sorry for the blank post....I agree with Azwebguy....mine is definately colder in the standard A/c position than in max....very strange

 

every ford product i own is that way. also heat in winter works that way when you have the panel only on. worked that way in past autos--explorer--cougar--bronco--and this f-150. the only way in the the past and now to shut it off was have the control in off position.

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2001 F-150 4X4 Supercab
XLT 139" WB style side
5.4L V8 3.55 LIMITED SLIP AXLE
MODS:
AIRAID FIPK
SUPERCHIP(FLIP CHIP)
ROLL & LOCK TONNEAU

sitting in garage mods
GIBSON CAT BACK
GIBSON HEADER
REFLEXX COBRA HOOD
STREET SCENE GRILL
HOLLEY THUNDER SUPERCHARGE
ALL TO BE INSTALLED IN 20 DAYS

 

Yes you guys are right I tried it on the way home from work last night. the A/C works in the panel/floor position. I always knew the compressor ran in te defrost position so that it takes moisture out of the air before throwing it up on your cold windshield and fogging it up. Like someone said earlier that it runs if the outside temp is above 42 degrees.

 

The way I read it is that the AC is computerized and it will run when ever it thinks it should to meet the drivers demand as to where the temp dial is! If you listen closely (On any setting)the compressor will run more or less depending on the outside temp to keep the inside the same in relation to the temp dial!

As for the max setting it closes off the outside air that is why it doesn't blow as hard as the other settings. Once the inside temp gets to a certain point max no longer feels cooler. In the other positions fresh air is pushing through (more volume) plus if it is hot outside the computer will make the compresser run constantly so it will feel much colder!

To shorten this story basically you have a very sophisticated automatic climate control with really dumbed down dials!! We all have the same system running in the background as the automatic systems in the Navigator!



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'99 F150 SC 4X4 XLT Black
5.4 3.55 LS
HD Tow package
Ford Step Rails
Black fiberglass cap
Duraliner
etc...

 

I believe that the a/c runs in that panel/flr mode to act as a dehumidifier. When you run your defroster if the temp is above 45* the a/c compressor will run to help defog the car. I believe this is the same situation as with the floor and panel vents moving air it will move cabin air more efficiantly(sp) (don't forget that huge backseat)