When SHOULD the AC be on ?

[scruff]

OK I have a 99 Ranger 4x4 and the AC is being all strange.

The AC comes on when.. on AC and Max AC so no worries there.
But it also comes on in ALL the positions to the right of the dial - is this correct ?
The only position where the AC doesn't click on is the one immediately next to the AC setting, the one that just shows air blowing at head height.

We have a bunch of rangers at work, and I messed with a few, at least one other (the newest) does the same, but some of the others the AC does NOT come on in the otyher positions, which I thought would be normal ??

So, WTF ? Which is normal and is the switch likely to be at fault ?

I am mostly curious since the damn thing only gets 16 mpg and I sure as hell don't need AC in the middle of winter.

 

[Turdle]

It is normal-I think. Mine does it.
It should cycle though ( on and off) when on the right side of the dial-this will remove moisture from the cabin.

 

[scruff]

Rightio then, odd but good I suppose, I'll go back to using it.
It does cycle.

Thanks JTS !

Shouldn't have to worry about this on the rod, I have that nice electronic climate control waiting in the wings...

 

[CDW6212R]

Basically any time the "VENT" position is not selected, the AC compressor will/can run. It's a dehumidifier thing, I don't like it either. The change happened on Explorer's in 1995, before that there was an AC button.

I shall fix that someday, I plan to install a relay in the AC clutch power wire, and a switch on the radio bezel. I also bought a vacuum switch(the emissions kind) to control the recirculation solenoid also. I'll put another switch in the radio bezel for that. So much to do.

 

[Turdle]

Basically any time the "VENT" position is not selected, the AC compressor will/can run. It's a dehumidifier thing, I don't like it either. The change happened on Explorer's in 1995, before that there was an AC button.

I shall fix that someday, I plan to install a relay in the AC clutch power wire, and a switch on the radio bezel. I also bought a vacuum switch(the emissions kind) to control the recirculation solenoid also. I'll put another switch in the radio bezel for that. So much to do.

LOL
Don the rolling relay box

Your new nickname

 

[ThePhoenix]

i was gonna say "when you get hot"...but....

 

[CDW6212R]

Yes, if it doesn't do what I want it to, I'll fix it.

 

[harrykon]

On my 97 Ranger and 01 ST (as well as 99 F150) the compressor runs on all settings except for FLOOR ONLY, and HEAD ONLY. Defrost, Defrost/Heat, Head/Floor, AC and MAX AC all run the compressor for varying durations/frequencies.

 

[Silver X]

On my 97 Ranger and 01 ST (as well as 99 F150) the compressor runs on all settings except for FLOOR ONLY, and HEAD ONLY. Defrost, Defrost/Heat, Head/Floor, AC and MAX AC all run the compressor for varying durations/frequencies.

My '01 Sport is the same. I don't like it that way either. I wish it would only cycle with A/C or Defrost.