Disconnecting air conditioning. (higher mpg)

[jimwww]

Can someone here take a photo of where the clip is ( near top of engine on OHV) that disconnects the a/c. Most people do not know that it cycles regardless if you have the switch on or not and if disconnected gets better mpg. Most people do not know that it comes on when you use defrost.. hence why you should never leave defrost on.

I have seen my mechanic do this two years ago but I forget where he pulled the clip out - I would like to know again so I can turn mine off.

Thanks

 

[Turdle]

Just pull the connector to the pressure switch on the accumulator.

 

[jimwww]

Excellent - thanks.. I just need a photo to make sure that I am disconnecting the right connector. (If you can)

 

[Turdle]

Well, if you see the accumulator bottle, the 2 wired switch is in the "curled" hard line. I have no picture.

 

[my98nnj]

Wondering why you wouldn't want the hvac system to function properly. A/C runs on defrost to dehumidify and clear the windows quickly. Why wouldn't you want this???

Have you ever tried the OFF position? Nothing runs when the system is off...
A/C also does not run on vent or heat.

 

[alohamonte]

I can hear the compressor cycle on and off from time to time when it is switched off. I thought that was to keep the compressor lubricated?

 

[SoNic67]

Only in the "VENT" and "OFF" position, compressor is not running...

 

[yavapaires]

Can someone here take a photo of where the clip is ( near top of engine on OHV) that disconnects the a/c. Most people do not know that it cycles regardless if you have the switch on or not and if disconnected gets better mpg. Most people do not know that it comes on when you use defrost.. hence why you should never leave defrost on.

I have seen my mechanic do this two years ago but I forget where he pulled the clip out - I would like to know again so I can turn mine off.

Thanks

Just pull the connector on the compressor, the only connector on the compressor.

 

[jimwww]

I know in my 1996 the compressor ran regardless of position - using fuel when it did not need to be. We disconnected it and it got better mileage. On a lot of cars you can push a button to turn it on or off (the a/c) and Fords do not have this. I don't need the a/c on in the winter (dial is set to heat) and remember how good my 96 sport OHV engine was on fuel. Lots of cars don't have a/c and I would like mine - in the winter - to act like it doesn't have that. Saves money on fuel. When it warms up outside I can put it back on.

 

[Trolling]

wait, what?

so even if i'm not using my a/c, heater or defroster, the compressor still runs? :scratch:

 

[yavapaires]

Yep, that's why I simply disconnect the wiring at the compressor in the winter. While it may dehumidify the air, I don't want to cool the air I'm trying to defrost my windshield and side glass with until the coolant warms up. I can hear all the comments coming, but it is my decision, my truck, you do what you want with yours. And no, the engineers don't always know best.

 

[SoNic67]

I know in my 1996 the compressor ran regardless of position.

That's not true, the compressor does NOT run on "VENT" position... Or when outside temperature is below 50F.

 

[yavapaires]

Sonic67, maybe yours doesn't run in the vent position, but on my 96the compressor runs in either vent position. I thought it did, so to be sure I wasn't loosing my mind, I just went and tried it. Sure enough, vent, compressor cycling. Not every year operates the same way. My Moms 2001 Focus does not operate on vent, by the way.

 

[budwich]

That maybe in your case, but then your 96 has a "problem" as that is NOT the wired state according to diagrams for that year along with the operators manual. Further "OFF" is OFF breaking all electric paths to the various components.... at least in 96. Just to sure, you are talking about the single air vent up (^) or the single air "vent" down (ie. floor , V) positions... all others will cause an A/C operation under the "right" conditions.... at least in 96.

 

[yavapaires]

Whatever, that is the way it is. Thats the way it operated when i bought it

 

[windsors03cobra]

I always unplug mine at the accumulator pressure switch for the winter, learned it from Dad 20 years ago. He said "a/c runs in defrost, no reason for the a/c to run in the winter"

I'm sure the MPG gain is very very small, love the Weather Eye HVAC system.

 

[jimwww]

My 96 ran on 'vent' as well. Might be just that year.

 

[Stic-o]

You know you could just go the old school way a switch the belt to non-a/c belt. I thought of doing this on mine, but for the HP, not MPG.

 

[gonenuke]

I seem to remember something about ford A/C compressors running just to keep the oil going through the system, and keeping the o rings lubed. I could be wrong and I cant find the doc right now.

 

[yavapaires]

My 96 may have a "problem" but I got out my owners manual, page 101, Air Conditioning (A/C) controls (manual air conditioning). Quote " To turn your air conditioner and heater system on, select any position except OFF. This will turn the fan on and allow airflow into the vehicle. To turn your air conditioner and heater off, select OFF. This will turn the fan off and stop airflow from coming into the vehicle. It doesn't say a thing about shutting off the compressor. So maybe in Canada you have some different system. My Ex was built in Louisville Ky. Build date 04/96.