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Windshield blower always using AC


kc1174
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  • 7 months later...

Since about 1995 every car I've owned uses A/C in the defrost mode - the idea is that you are using the dehumidifying properties of the A/C - pulling the moisture out of the inside of the cabin.  I think most of them have a temperature sensor to be smart enough to not turn on the compressor in freezing weather.

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This reminds me of my 2003 CRV. In the defrost mode, you could hit the A/C button and the light would go out - but the compressor still ran. I think every car I've had for the past 15 years has turned on the compressor automatically whenever a defrost setting is used.

 

In one way it is useful - it runs the compressor in the winter, so that it stays lubricated.

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  • 4 weeks later...

Agreed. I've got to the point now where I don't use the windshield vents because it uses the AC compressor. I just turn recirc off and turn off all the vent settings but have it on say 3 or 4 speed, or crack the front windows. Takes a little longer but gets the job done. I think it's a bit underhanded of Ford to have the controls say AC is off when it's not, and the only way we know it's running, is through the electric usage gauge (or compressor buzz). If I want to open the windshield vents and blow warm non-air conditioned air at the windshield, I should really be able to. Like I was on my 78 Mini Cooper, Ford Sierra, Renault Clio, Jeep Liberty, and any rental car I've used. If Ford want to help improve gas mileage on this or future cars, maybe make the AC on/off switch do what the user wants it to do.

Just curious. Why don't you want the a/c compressor to come on? Mileage? It's not going to make that big a difference. Also, if you don't run your a/c occasionally, the seals in the unit will dry out. They use the coolant to lubricate all the fittings so it it never runs, they will dry out and crack, thus causing a leak and expensive repair.

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Just curious. Why don't you want the a/c compressor to come on? Mileage? It's not going to make that big a difference. Also, if you don't run your a/c occasionally, the seals in the unit will dry out. They use the coolant to lubricate all the fittings so it it never runs, they will dry out and crack, thus causing a leak and expensive repair.

Yep I know all that and never questioned the need for the compressor to run, just that it ran when the ac light was off, but this is a resurrected thread from February and I have since sold the C-Max.

Edited by kc1174
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