I had posted a question some time ago about defeating the air conditioner clutch, so that I can run my defrost and other settings withou the fuel-robbing A/C kicking in.

You all suggested I unplug the pump, which sounded simple, until I crawled under the engine and found two sets of wires coming from the pump.

On the top of the pump is a smaller wire, and on the bottom is a multi-prong plug. Does anyone know a)where each one goes...and b) which one I should disconnect...

oh..and c)...why the hell did Ford make this engine compartment so damn tight?

Moose

 

obviously you havn't seen the engine bay of a honda civic.

 

Why would you even want to do this? It’s the A/C that gets rid of the inside condensation. That’s why it was designed to go on with the defroster. Without it all you’re going to have is warm fogged up windows.

 

The only setting where the A/C doesn't come on is "Panel". I want to be able to thaw the windshield or thaw out my feet without running the A/C.

What you're saying about fog is true in heavy rain conditions, but I don't find myself driving in those conditions very often.

Moose

 

Having traveled the Alaska-Canada Highway a couple of times I know the gas is a bit pricy up there but wow!!!! In your quest to save a couple of cents you didn't happen to take the light bulb out of the fridge did you?

Just joking I don't blame you I know every bit helps

 

This is what I installed a few months back. With this switch, I can recirculate the air inside the cab in any setting (not just Max A/C). I can also turn off the compressor in any setting.

The air has been pretty dry here lately, so I haven't run into problems running the Defrost w/o the compressor running.

Recirc & A/C cutoff switch

 

I also forgot to add a modification to the selector switch itself.

From the factory, the A/C compressor runs in the Panel/Floor setting. If you take the back off the selector switch and remove the piece of metal I've circled (tin snips work, the metal is very soft), that will prevent the compressor from running in that setting.



Before shot

After shot

 

Nice mod.

My Honda and Subaru cars have a similar set-up that allows the driver to control fresh or recirculated air and A/C on or off in any vent mode. I’m sure everyone who’s ever owned an import is familiar with the set-up.

Why don’t the majority of domestic vehicles switch to this layout? It’s so much nicer to have full control. Instead we’re left having to make our own modifications for it. What’s the problem? Do they think Americans are too stupid and lazy to handle this for ourselves? I don’t get it.

 

Ted '98,

Can you post a link to the parts you used for that A/C and Recirc switch in your picture?

John

 

FlaresideGuy - the below thread as some additional details, especially the link in the last post. Let me know if you need more info



Recirc detalils