Why run the Compressor?
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Chicago
Why run the Compressor?
Hi,
I've got a 1999 F-250 SD with the V10, and 5 speed. Does anybody know why Ford wants the A/C compressor to run while the control is in the combination floor and vent position? I can understand the defrost, since dryer air will clear the windows sooner, but why the floor/vent position? This would be my favorite position for this time of year!
I know it doesn't hurt anything, but I'm cheap, and I hate to waste the extra 1/2 mpg or so by turning the compressor when I don't think it's needed. I'm looking into a cut-off switch, unless someone can give me a good reason not to!
John, Oldchap
I've got a 1999 F-250 SD with the V10, and 5 speed. Does anybody know why Ford wants the A/C compressor to run while the control is in the combination floor and vent position? I can understand the defrost, since dryer air will clear the windows sooner, but why the floor/vent position? This would be my favorite position for this time of year!
I know it doesn't hurt anything, but I'm cheap, and I hate to waste the extra 1/2 mpg or so by turning the compressor when I don't think it's needed. I'm looking into a cut-off switch, unless someone can give me a good reason not to!
John, Oldchap
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Joined: Feb 2001
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Why run the Compressor?
Are you sure that the compressor is running during the floor/vent position? This is interesting if it is and I'll have to check mine. If so, I'd like to know why as well if your not running the A/C ?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: OK
Why run the Compressor?
The compressor runs in all positions except "OFF" 
, "VENT" (aka little picture of wind blowing on face 
), and "FLOOR" (aka little picture of wind blowing on feet ).
Not sure why they do this other than to keep the AC system lubricated. I haven't looked to see how hard it would be to do, but you could install a switch to "over-ride" the factory wiring and turn the compressor on/off when you want.
, "VENT" (aka little picture of wind blowing on face ), and "FLOOR" (aka little picture of wind blowing on feet ). Not sure why they do this other than to keep the AC system lubricated. I haven't looked to see how hard it would be to do, but you could install a switch to "over-ride" the factory wiring and turn the compressor on/off when you want.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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Why run the Compressor?
>The compressor runs in all positions except "OFF" ,
>"VENT" (aka little picture of wind blowing on face),
>and "FLOOR" (aka little picture of wind blowing on feet
>).
>
>Not sure why they do this other than to keep the AC system
>lubricated. I haven't looked to see how hard it would be to
>do, but you could install a switch to "over-ride" the
>factory wiring and turn the compressor on/off when you want.
All right!
No MO nailed it!! Most all manufacturer have rigged the A/C compressor to run in at least one vent setting. The main reason for doing this is to keep the o-rings and seals in the lines and compressor lubricated and moist and thus preventing them from drying and cracking in the off season. You can imagine in some places the A/C may not be turned on for six months or more! At which time the freon may have already leaked out. It took the manufacturers awhile to figure this out but soon realized that it was an environmental issue as well as requiring a large amount of warranty work!! My adivice would be not to try to by pass the compressor. The inefficiency is probably less than an A/C repair bill!!
, >"VENT" (aka little picture of wind blowing on face
), >and "FLOOR" (aka little picture of wind blowing on feet
>
). >
>Not sure why they do this other than to keep the AC system
>lubricated. I haven't looked to see how hard it would be to
>do, but you could install a switch to "over-ride" the
>factory wiring and turn the compressor on/off when you want.
All right!
No MO nailed it!! Most all manufacturer have rigged the A/C compressor to run in at least one vent setting. The main reason for doing this is to keep the o-rings and seals in the lines and compressor lubricated and moist and thus preventing them from drying and cracking in the off season. You can imagine in some places the A/C may not be turned on for six months or more! At which time the freon may have already leaked out. It took the manufacturers awhile to figure this out but soon realized that it was an environmental issue as well as requiring a large amount of warranty work!! My adivice would be not to try to by pass the compressor. The inefficiency is probably less than an A/C repair bill!!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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From: Chicago
Why run the Compressor?
OK,
I can understand about occasionally running the compressor to keep things from drying up. I do the same with the front axle on the 4x4, since I may go 3 months in the dry season without using it, I'll just pop into 4hi once in a while to splash the oil around up there.
But the compressor already runs in the defrost position. I would have thought that would be enough. I'm still looking towards a cut-off switch, maybe only in the floor/vent position, if I can dig into the selector switch.
Oldchap
I can understand about occasionally running the compressor to keep things from drying up. I do the same with the front axle on the 4x4, since I may go 3 months in the dry season without using it, I'll just pop into 4hi once in a while to splash the oil around up there.
But the compressor already runs in the defrost position. I would have thought that would be enough. I'm still looking towards a cut-off switch, maybe only in the floor/vent position, if I can dig into the selector switch.
Oldchap
