Notices
2009 - 2014 F150 Discuss the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Ford F150
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

A/C compressor engaging?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 29, 2012 | 09:22 AM
  #1  
jgclark's Avatar
jgclark
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
A/C compressor engaging?

Hello everyone, I have a new 2012 FX4 with a 5.0L. I am noticing, at highway speeds, that there is lag/lurch(like the A/C clutch kicking in) but my heating controls are set to cool and vent. In all my previous fords, if vent was selected without A/C, the compressor didn't cycle. I am always trying to maximize fuel savings and I have always driven with vent selected. Anyone know if this is something new for the 2012's or is something else causing it?

Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2012 | 02:40 PM
  #2  
Wiggums's Avatar
Wiggums
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 32
I think if you have the window fan on, A/C goes on automatically.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2012 | 04:21 PM
  #3  
ChargersFanInCO's Avatar
ChargersFanInCO
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 0
From: Sunny, Snowy, CO
If you have the EATC (Don't know if the FX4 does or not) then like Wiggums (creepy avatar dude) says, if it's selected for a window vent, then the A/C will cycle on and off to remove humidity.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2012 | 06:50 PM
  #4  
jgclark's Avatar
jgclark
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I do have the driver/passenger automatic temp control. So what setting can I use to stop the A/C cycling? Seems like I have tried them all with no luck.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2012 | 07:33 PM
  #5  
juneau76's Avatar
juneau76
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 1
If you push the A/C button so that it is off/not lit, the compressor won't cycle. You need to make sure the system is not set to auto. Auto climate control is my nemesis. I haven't liked it in my wife's car since we bought it 4 years ago. I'm more of a turn it to blue to feel cooler, turn it to red to feel warmer type guy.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2012 | 07:45 PM
  #6  
jgclark's Avatar
jgclark
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks but I tried it. I know it's supposed to cycle on defrost and when the a/c is selected, but it shouldn't when it's on panel or floor. At least all my other fords worked this way so maybe it's something new for 2012.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2012 | 09:24 PM
  #7  
QwkTrip's Avatar
QwkTrip
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 2
My F250 cycled the compressor with light duty cycle on many settings. I just figured it was to keep the AC system healthy so the seals don't dry out. Never had to touch the AC system in 12 years. That will save you more money than a teeny tiny bit of mileage increase.

Frankly, I haven't driven my F150 yet without AC going full blast so I haven't even noticed what it does without AC yet. It's been a tad bit warm in the midwest this summer.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2012 | 11:59 PM
  #8  
j.grif's Avatar
j.grif
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 730
Likes: 9
From: plymouth mi
My fx4 has the eatc dual zone climate control and does not cycle the a/c clutch unless in auto, defrost or a/c selected when its too cold in the cab and I select just dash vents with a/c turned off it gets warm rather quickly!, I too like the old fashioned dial with blue and red, but the eatc was part of a larger package that I wanted.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jul 31, 2012 | 09:04 AM
  #9  
DraKhen99's Avatar
DraKhen99
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
I love the EATC, except when I'm trying to enjoy a cigar, and it silently turns on the recirculating. I've found that I have to change the vent and fan speed from Auto, to get the recirc to stop.

As for the A/C compressor kicking on and off - that happens whenever the floor vent is selected (because it also blows dry air past the side windows).
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jspence105
Excursion - King of SUVs
15
Jun 13, 2013 05:39 AM
SixGunCaliforniaKid
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
16
May 17, 2012 03:39 PM
knuckleheadnut
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Oct 26, 2010 12:09 PM
Thoth88
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
7
May 12, 2006 07:09 AM
mfriesen
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
4
Oct 31, 2004 02:12 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:21 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE