I bought a new 2003 F250 SD with a V-10 about 6 months ago and althought this doesn't seem to be a problem, I'm wondering if the same thing is occuring with other trucks. On the heater/airconditioning vents, I have max ac, reg ac, and the other vents. On the one non-ac vent that directs air both towards the floor as well as the upper vents, if I put it in the cool position, the air conditioning comes on. The air gets very cold, and condinsation drips down from under the hood. If I put it on just upper vents, without the floor, all I get is outside air. Is it normal for the ac to work on any of the non max ac, or reg ac vents?

 

I couldn't completely understand your question but, I'll try and shed some light. Ford has done away with the fresh air control. When using the defost by itself or on split level the ac compressor is running to aid in clearing the windshield.

 

Your AC will turn on for ALL settings except the "upper vent" only position.

First position to the left is the only NON AC one.

 

And actually I sort of understand this....

The a/c's on to dehumidify the truck...

And you can bet mine 'fogs' up quick without the a/c....

 

It is also good to run the AC in the winter to keep it lubed up and running correctly. With this set up you don't have to worry about remembering to run the AC once a month or so during the cold season.

I didn't like it at first but now it doesn't bother me at all. With these big trucks I don't worry about the gas mileage going down from running the AC anyway!

 

I know there are a few diffrent levels of A'C units, but on my '03 Ex I CAN turn off the A/C compressor with the AC button,
but it WILL fog up in time just from the people breathing in the Ex, I guess ?!?!?

 

The newer Ford designs give you the option of having the AC with the button.

 

Interesting because when my 2001 was new, I asked the dealer about not being able to switch from outside air to recirculated, except on max. a/c. He said it was one of the most frequent complaints they got about the new trucks. People in traffic behind or beside a diesel (biggest offender seems to be Dodge pickups), kept having to switch the system off to prevent the fumes from choking them.

Nice to know Ford listens and has put the option back on new trucks.