Auto A/C Question

[cubella]

Hi All, brand new here...

Just got 04 Mount. Premier V8. When I press 'auto' on the climate control, the A/C light comes on--even when I have the temp set high and it's 40 degrees out. Is this normal?

 

[jrford]

It does the same for mine, its almost always on.
Its been a long time since winter but if I remember right if its like -10 degrees outside it didn't come on.

 

[DarkStone]

Hi All, brand new here...

Just got 04 Mount. Premier V8. When I press 'auto' on the climate control, the A/C light comes on--even when I have the temp set high and it's 40 degrees out. Is this normal?

it always come on when you start the vehicle, programmeed by ford.

 

[cubella]

So does that mean I'm running the A/C compressor all the time I'm in Auto? Or just that it is enabled and will be used if the electric brain tells the compressor it's needed?

 

[BrianV]

So does that mean I'm running the A/C compressor all the time I'm in Auto? Or just that it is enabled and will be used if the electric brain tells the compressor it's needed?

Yes, all modern cars with climate control always use the AC. The AC conditions and removes humidity. In the winter it greatly helps keep things from fogging up.

Usually you can turn the AC off by pressing the AC button and the climate control will still work, but by default it'll always be on when you start the car. ACs have gotten efficient enough that it doesn't hurt mileage too bad, and it doesn't steal power since when you floor it, it temporarily deactivates the AC.

Also, ACs are self-lubed, meaning the parts only lube when it's running. If you don't run the A/C for six months things will dry up.