A/C on all the time - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

Randy1999 · 05-29-2006, 07:21 AM

It seems that most postings deal with A/C not working. However in my case it is the opposite. I have a '99 Explorer XLT. It seems that my A/C is on all the time even though I have not selected A/C or Max A/C. Does anyone have any idea as to what this is and how to correct it? Thanks.

budwich · 05-29-2006, 09:24 AM

I assume that you mean that the compressor clutch turns on (for a bit) even though you don't select the "AC" based positions on your heater / AC control... right? Ford's idea is that A/C will also be used to "dry air" in other positions.... those positions are where the air goes to both top and floor vents. The A/C will come on for just a bit (dependent on the temperature position... more red less A/C, more blue more A/C). If you select either floor only, or upper vent only then no A/C is applied. I think it is spelt out in your manual.

If you mean that your A/C compressor never disengages, then you have a problem.

xartic · 05-29-2006, 12:36 PM

I have the same problem. I could put it on defrost with cold air, and the ac compressor still turns on.

Randy1999 · 05-29-2006, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budwich

I assume that you mean that the compressor clutch turns on (for a bit) even though you don't select the "AC" based positions on your heater / AC control... right? Ford's idea is that A/C will also be used to "dry air" in other positions.... those positions are where the air goes to both top and floor vents. The A/C will come on for just a bit (dependent on the temperature position... more red less A/C, more blue more A/C). If you select either floor only, or upper vent only then no A/C is applied. I think it is spelt out in your manual.

If you mean that your A/C compressor never disengages, then you have a problem.

I didn't think about the "dry air" thing, but it seems not to disengage, but I'll test it further to make sure that it is clearly a disengaging problem and not what you have suggested. If it is a disenganing problem, what's involved in fixing it?

Thanks, budwich.

budwich · 05-29-2006, 01:15 PM

I was also a "bit off".... as the AC also comes on for the "defog" cycle to help dry the air to aid in the defogging (I assume you mean defog and not defrost). In terms of shutting off your compressor, you can try unplugging the energizing circuit at the compressor. That should totally stop the clutch from engaging. If it doesn't, then you have a clutch mechanical problem and that need attention otherwise you will likely cause yourself a compressor problem ($$$$). If it does stay disengaged (with the plug removed), you need to find out why there is an operating voltage on the circuit. That will take a bit further investigation. I assume that you are in the "cycling" camp and that its probably "normal" for your settings.

rgoers · 06-06-2006, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budwich

... compressor clutch turns on (for a bit) even though you don't select the "AC" based positions on your heater / AC control... those positions are where the air goes to both top and floor vents. ... If you select either floor only, or upper vent only then no A/C is applied.

I just charged my (previously non-working) A/C system a couple weeks ago. I've only run it a few times, and it seems to still be cold.

However, I noticed the A/C clutch engaging this AM, when I had it at the vent/floor setting. When I go to vent only, the air seems to warm a bit, but at vent/floor, it's like having the A/C full "on". Ford deems this to be "normal" operation??? Are they on drugs? No wonder they get such wonderful gas mileage... doh!!???

I know about it on the defrost setting, because most manufacturers do that, but C'mon, you're kidding about this being normal, right? Is it April 1st today? I must have a wiring problem... What's the purpose of the A/C and A/C Max positions then?

*Brock94* · 06-07-2006, 12:19 PM

I have a dodge truck that's the same way. I prefer the 1st Gen Explorer that lets you select A/C (or not) in whatever vent mode you want.

If you wanted to get creative, it wouldn't be too hard to disconnect the A/C wires from your control head and connect them to a new switch that would give you total control.

Ranger379 · 06-07-2006, 01:50 PM

you guys are lucky, mine dont work at all... lol

budwich · 06-07-2006, 04:16 PM

Rgoers.... not sure if you are "kidding" me about "kidding" you.... but no, having A/C on the vent/floor setting is in the manual. As a previous GM owner, I too was rather taken back by this, especially since my A/C on the Ex wasn't fully charged when I bought it used. The result was a significant cycling of the compressor which I only noticed when I happen to walk up to my truck when my wife was getting set to drive off. I yelled at her with "why are you running the AC?" this was in april (last year). She said wasn't.... that's when my investigation led me to the manual..... before my compressor was hosed.

rgoers · 06-08-2006, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budwich

.... I too was rather taken back by this, especially since my A/C on the Ex wasn't fully charged when I bought it used. The result was a significant cycling of the compressor which I only noticed when I happen to walk up to my truck when my wife was getting set to drive off. ...

Thanks for the additional explain! I did the same thing - bought my EX w/o working air. I drove it all fall and winter that way. I charged it this spring, and was as surprised as you when I heard the clutch cycling on non-A/C settings. I'm an engineer, so it *really* amazes me why anyone would intentionally design it that way. No wonder I can't get over 20 MPG...

Again - thank you for convincing me that it is operating "normally".

05-29-2006, 07:21 AM	#1
Randy1999 Wannabe Elite Explorer Toronto, Ontario 1999 XLT Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10 Vehicle Specs	A/C on all the time It seems that most postings deal with A/C not working. However in my case it is the opposite. I have a '99 Explorer XLT. It seems that my A/C is on all the time even though I have not selected A/C or Max A/C. Does anyone have any idea as to what this is and how to correct it? Thanks. __________________ 1999 Explorer XLT

06-07-2006, 12:19 PM	#7
Brock94 Elite Explorer Milford, CT 1994 XLT Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 587 Vehicle Specs	I have a dodge truck that's the same way. I prefer the 1st Gen Explorer that lets you select A/C (or not) in whatever vent mode you want. If you wanted to get creative, it wouldn't be too hard to disconnect the A/C wires from your control head and connect them to a new switch that would give you total control. __________________ Not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit. What are you, O great mountain? -God

06-07-2006, 01:50 PM	#8
Ranger379 Wannabe Elite Explorer middle of nowhere, PA '99 XLT 4X4 4.0 OHV Auto Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 776 Vehicle Specs	you guys are lucky, mine dont work at all... lol __________________ 1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0 OHV Auto -Lifted! TT, AAL's and custom shackles RIP: 1996 Ford Explorer XL 4x4 4.0 OHV 5 Speed - 2inch TT, Shackles and AAL's- American Eagle Alloy Series 58 15x8 Rims = Wrapped with Yokohama Geolander A/T-S 32x11.50's

05-29-2006, 09:24 AM	#2
budwich Wannabe Elite Explorer Ottawa, Ont 96 XL Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,962 Vehicle Specs	I assume that you mean that the compressor clutch turns on (for a bit) even though you don't select the "AC" based positions on your heater / AC control... right? Ford's idea is that A/C will also be used to "dry air" in other positions.... those positions are where the air goes to both top and floor vents. The A/C will come on for just a bit (dependent on the temperature position... more red less A/C, more blue more A/C). If you select either floor only, or upper vent only then no A/C is applied. I think it is spelt out in your manual. If you mean that your A/C compressor never disengages, then you have a problem.

05-29-2006, 12:36 PM	#3
xartic Wannabe Elite Explorer Brazil, Indiana 02 awd v8 mounty Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 111 Vehicle Specs	I have the same problem. I could put it on defrost with cold air, and the ac compressor still turns on.

05-29-2006, 01:15 PM	#5
budwich Wannabe Elite Explorer Ottawa, Ont 96 XL Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,962 Vehicle Specs	I was also a "bit off".... as the AC also comes on for the "defog" cycle to help dry the air to aid in the defogging (I assume you mean defog and not defrost). In terms of shutting off your compressor, you can try unplugging the energizing circuit at the compressor. That should totally stop the clutch from engaging. If it doesn't, then you have a clutch mechanical problem and that need attention otherwise you will likely cause yourself a compressor problem ($$$$). If it does stay disengaged (with the plug removed), you need to find out why there is an operating voltage on the circuit. That will take a bit further investigation. I assume that you are in the "cycling" camp and that its probably "normal" for your settings.

06-07-2006, 04:16 PM	#9
budwich Wannabe Elite Explorer Ottawa, Ont 96 XL Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,962 Vehicle Specs	Rgoers.... not sure if you are "kidding" me about "kidding" you.... but no, having A/C on the vent/floor setting is in the manual. As a previous GM owner, I too was rather taken back by this, especially since my A/C on the Ex wasn't fully charged when I bought it used. The result was a significant cycling of the compressor which I only noticed when I happen to walk up to my truck when my wife was getting set to drive off. I yelled at her with "why are you running the AC?" this was in april (last year). She said wasn't.... that's when my investigation led me to the manual..... before my compressor was hosed.