I own a 2001 F150 Screw, and have noticed the following when
the I have the temp dash **** is turned CCW (to the left) all
the way to the coldest setting.
The "PANEL&FLOOR" **** kicks in the AC clutch and is pouring
out ice cold air (just like in the A/C and MAX A/C modes.

Is this normal ?????

Heres the selections or modes that kick in the AC clutch.
"MAX A/C"
"A/C"
PANEL (does not activate A/C clutch)
"PANEL & FLOOR"
"FLOOR" (does not activate A/C clutch)
"FR & DEF"
"DEF"

Most of the modes are no brainers and should activate or kick in
the A/C clutch. But, "FLOOR" does not and "PANEL" does not...so
why would "PANEL & FLOOR" kick in the A/C clutch ????

Thanks, TMeyers-Colorado

 

My 99 F150 has the exact same configuration as yours, and it says that's the way it was designed in the owners manual. I'm not exactly sure why it does, but I don't notice it much when the A/C compressor is on or not.

By the way, i believe it will put out heat while in the "panel and floor" mode as long as the temperature dial is turned to hot.

 

Yes, it's normal. It's to keep humid air from hitting the windows which helps prevent fogging on the inside in cold weather.

 

it's unfortunately normal . . panel by itself has no compressor . . floor by itself has no compressor . . . it is beyond me why the compressor should kick in when you combine them . . . there are plenty of other options for kicking in the compressor . .

 

Thanks for the replies.....
Makes absolutley no sense to me why
Panel doesn't
Floor doesn't

BUT Panel/Floor Does !!!

Other other modes seam normal !!

TMeyers-Colorado

 

Let's see if I can come up with something logical.

I'm thinking that when moist air hits cold glass, the windows will fog up. If there's any chance that moist air can hit cold glass, such as when the panel air registers are directed towards the glass, the a/c compressor runs to dehumidify the air.

As to why Panel position doesn't run the a/c... I think it has to do with the fact that to the left of the Off position, it's mostly for the cooling season, so there's not much reason to expect moist air to fog the windows.

 

This is one area where I think Japanese manufactures have it right.

You simply have a seperate compressor switch which means you can enjoy some outside air without the compressor being involved. I think they designed the American settings for elderly people who they assumed would prefer everything happen automatically.