Any way to prevent A/C from automatically turning on?

[masospaghetti]

I find it really annoying that the A/C and recirculate functions cannot be controlled by a separate button and automatically turn on for some functions. Is there any way to wire up a separate switch to control each function? Has anyone tried this?

Thanks
-J

 

[CDW6212R]

I am annoyed by it also. I'm in the process of reinstalling my dash in my work vehicle. I've always wanted a separate recirculate button. Keep us informed, I'll do the same.

 

[Turdle]

Here is a simple solution for you

Wire a switch to the pressure cut off switch, on accumulator.
It is a low current circuit.


This will prevent the Compressor clutch from engaging when "off"

 

[shamaal]

Simply unplugging the switch or the compressor will work also. Remember to plug in monthly to circulate the lubricant through the system. Note that neither solution will control the recirc damper which is run by vacuum. Somebody posted the applicable environmental switch settings in one of the other posts. The owner's manual may provide some help.

 

[masospaghetti]

Well ideally I wouldn't want to unplug the compressor because i still need it to defog and such.

jtsmith -- how would this work? When the refrigerant in the system gets too low, does the low-pressure switch open or close?

 

[Turdle]

The switch opens when pressure gets too low, to protect the compressor--


it would now be like a foriegn car, with an on off switch for a/c.
You could even find a pushbutton switch which lights when on--

 

[CDW6212R]

A nice touch for a purpose desired. Now then Jon, where can an electrically controlled vacuum source switch be found?

I'd love to be able to control the recirculate function. I would prefer to recirculate the air 90% or more of the time. Regards,

 

[Turdle]

A nice touch for a purpose desired. Now then Jon, where can an electrically controlled vacuum source switch be found?

I'd love to be able to control the recirculate function. I would prefer to recirculate the air 90% or more of the time. Regards,

I wonder if the ETAC unit would work, along with converting to the electric motor driven doors?

 

[masospaghetti]

Where would be the best location to tap into the compressor low-pressure cutoff switch? Is there a wire under the dash somewhere or would I need to run a wire to the compressor itself?

 

[Turdle]

Where would be the best location to tap into the compressor low-pressure cutoff switch? Is there a wire under the dash somewhere or would I need to run a wire to the compressor itself?

I would go to the switch itself, right above the accumulator bottle--then thru firewall with the antenna wire gommet.

 

[gijoecam]

For the vacuum, get the vacuum solenoids off the center-axle disconnect on either a 95-96 Explorer, or any 97-03/04 Heritage F-150 or 97-99 Expedition/Navigator. Those should work just fine for ya. If the damper is a spring return, you'll only need one. If the damper is run by a double-acting actuator, use both solenoids wired to a SPDT On-On switch. It'll work great! Flip the switch one way and you'll have recirc, flip it the other way and you'll have fresh air.

-Joe

 

[CDW6212R]

Thanks Joe, that's a start.