When I press the Auto function on my climate control, it always shows A/C, even if it is cold outside and I'm getting heat. I don't think the compressor is on, but it shows A/C.

Does anyone know anything about this? The manual says Auto will choose whether A/C is needed, but then why does the indicator always stay on?

Oh, by the way, I have a 2004 Lariat Screw.

 

My 04 Screw Lariat does the same thing. I saw a thread on this before and believe A/C is on by default. However, the compressor won't kick in until A/C is actually needed. I just shut it off manually.

 

I believe the a/c function comes on even when you have heat on to keep the windows from fogging up. (When not in defrost mode)

 

The A/C light only tells you that A/C is possible, not that the compressor is on.
When the outside temp.is below 36 degrees the A/C light will go out because outside air would be colder than any A/C could make it. A/C compressor does come on in defrost to take the humidity out.
Hope that helps.

Mike

 

Dr., thanks for the help. Does this mean that when it is say 45 outside, and I set temp control to 70, the A/C light will be on, but the A/C won't be (unless it decides it needs to defrost)?

I just don't want to be driving around all winter with the compressor on eating up my gas mileage. I know that A/C can be put on in the winter to help with humidity when it is damp, but I'd rather it be off most of the time.

 

goatdriver.
The auto air in the Lariat can turn the compressor on untit the outside temp reaches about 36 degrees.It will blend hot and cold air to bring the cabin temp to the setting you have put on the display.If it is to hot inside and really cold outside it will use outside air to cool it down instead of using the compressor.It is a good system.Just set it to the temp.you like and forget it.

Mike

 

Dr.,

Thanks for the info. You explained what the manual doesn't.