Auto Temperature Switch Question
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 4
From: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Auto Temperature Switch Question
I received my truck in the Spring, and outside temps have always been above freezing till now, When I start the climate control auto temp with the temperature setting at max heat degrees, I see the AC light come on every time, and I have to then push the small rectangular AC switch to turn off the AC.
Is this normal?
Shouldn't this "auto temp" system know that it is cold outside, and go straight into heater mode right away?
Can someone try it on theirs and let me know what happens? Thanks.
Is this normal?
Shouldn't this "auto temp" system know that it is cold outside, and go straight into heater mode right away?
Can someone try it on theirs and let me know what happens? Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Lexington,SC
The operative words are auto climate control. Depending on what the previous settings/environment were prior to entering auto climate control the unit will do cycle/switch heating/cooling commands.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 8
From: Over Yonder, MN
It’s by design. It doesn’t use the AC for cooling in the winter but rather as a dehumidifier to pull the moister out of the air so it doesn’t freeze to your windows. It’s probably only running the compressor at 1/4 or so of what it would in the summer. They’ve been doing it for years, just have a little light to tip you off now.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 8
From: Over Yonder, MN
Well if it bothers you, I know on my truck if you turn it to floor the ac wont run, but mines a little older and not automated. Another option is to just unplug the AC clutch, but that may throw a code and you’ll probably be plugging it back in when your windows frost over on the inside.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
The new Electronic climate control is much smarter than you think. It actually senses the coolant temp and will not turn the heat on until the coolant is warm enough to actually blow heat. The AC light is just as stated above. The last function that was performed will illuminate on the display. It doesn't make any difference if the AC is on or not. The compressor still cycles on every mode except vent. All the Fords have been like this for the past 10-11 yrs. My Taurus does it, My Ranger did it, My Expedition did it, the F-150, and 250 do it. My wifes Dodge that she had did it too. The compressor does as stated above... it pulls the humidity out of the vehicle
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 4
From: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
agreed, but if i set it to auto and turn up the desired temp. to max., it should start the blower when the engine is hot, right? It just sits there saying "AC". If you finally want heat, you have to start the fan with the dash or steering wheel manual fan control.
My 03 Lariat used to do what you described, and also if someone opened the door on a cold day, it would increase the blower speed automatically until cabin was warm again.
The 06 isnt doing it, so do I have a problem, or a feature change here??
My 03 Lariat used to do what you described, and also if someone opened the door on a cold day, it would increase the blower speed automatically until cabin was warm again.
The 06 isnt doing it, so do I have a problem, or a feature change here??
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
If you shut off the AC light by pressing the button does it blow heat? If not then I would say you have a problem somewhere in the system. It might be a change for 06 also. If the AC is selected and the desired temp is at or below the temp in the truck it will not do anything. I would check the manual on that one and see what it says about it. I did not drive my truck today so I cannot check it tonight. By the time I get out of work everyone will be asleep.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
the auto temp thing is very sensitive. mine gets to the dialed temp quickly and stops. periodically it will kick on and heat/cool as needed.
my A/C also sporadically kicks itself on as well. I turn it off as soon as I notice it, but the truck is still blowing hot air while the A/C light is on.
the only time I ever actually hear the fans running is when it is <35F outside and the windows are fogging up, or if someone gets into the truck after it got to the dialed temp
my A/C also sporadically kicks itself on as well. I turn it off as soon as I notice it, but the truck is still blowing hot air while the A/C light is on.
the only time I ever actually hear the fans running is when it is <35F outside and the windows are fogging up, or if someone gets into the truck after it got to the dialed temp
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 4
From: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
yes, I can make it blow heat if I turn up the fan manually, but I thought the auto switch was supposed to do that automatically as it did in my 2003.
It was working fine keeping the AC constant during summer heat.
Design change, or a bad sensor, or a bad switch ???
Where's that FORD guy who hangs around the forum and seems to know everything? (said in good complimentary context ;-) )
It was working fine keeping the AC constant during summer heat.
Design change, or a bad sensor, or a bad switch ???
Where's that FORD guy who hangs around the forum and seems to know everything? (said in good complimentary context ;-) )
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