2009 Ranger AC compressor on all the time

[Smitty316]

Hi, I have a 2009 Ford Ranger, 4 cylinder, Automatic. I just noticed that the AC compressor is on all the time unless the selector switch is in the OFF position. Is this normal? If so, it seems like a lot of extra wear on the compressor.

Thanks, Smitty

 

[sgtsandman]

Hi, I have a 2009 Ford Ranger, 4 cylinder, Automatic. I just noticed that the AC compressor is on all the time unless the selector switch is in the OFF position. Is this normal? If so, it seems like a lot of extra wear on the compressor.

Thanks, Smitty

The compressor should not be engaged all the time. Cycling on and off ever second or so shouldn’t be happening either.

Now my understanding of AC systems are very rudimentary. So I’m pretty much going leave it at that.

I think the cycle time depends in the load of the AC since it needs to cool the refrigerant to keep it at a certain differential pressure from the low side to the high side but I could be very wrong.

The only instance where it might be on constant is when you are in the MAX AC setting but that may just be a recirculating door thing.

Someone who really knows what they are talking about should be along in time.

 

[Uncle Gump]

If ambient temp and humidity are high... that compressor just may run constantly. The compressor also runs in the defrost position.

Try switching it to heat and turn the temp dial to heat. The compressor should not run.

 

[Smitty316]

Thanks guys, If I switch to "heat" it still runs. The only positions that it'll turn off are either in the OFF position, or in the dashboard vents only position.

Smitty

 

[55trucker]

Sounds like a control issue, the low pressure cycling switch is stuck closed or your control panel switch assembly could be at fault.
Odd, the compressor should not engage (for cycling purposes) when the selector is set to *floor* but it should engage when *panel* is selected.

 

[sgtsandman]

I agree, it sounds like there is a control issue then.

 

[Ranger850]

Have you checked the pressure? You could be leaking and the compressor is trying to "keep up"

 

[Smitty316]

Thanks, It's blowing cold air, but I'll get it checked out.

Thanks, Smitty

 

[97RangerXLT]

Have you checked the pressure? You could be leaking and the compressor is trying to "keep up"

Does not work that way. As refrigerant leaks out, the compressor will start short cycles, on and off.. classic sign of low refrigerant. Then when enough refrigerant has leaked out, the low pressure switch won't even let the compressor kick on. It is this low pressure cut off switch that causes the short cycling as it turns off the compressor when the low side gets low enough. This is to save your compressor from frying itself. No refrigerant, no oil equals bad times.

AJ

 

[Smitty316]

Does not work that way. As refrigerant leaks out, the compressor will start short cycles, on and off.. classic sign of low refrigerant. Then when enough refrigerant has leaked out, the low pressure switch won't even let the compressor kick on. It is this low pressure cut off switch that causes the short cycling as it turns off the compressor when the low side gets low enough. This is to save your compressor from frying itself. No refrigerant, no oil equals bad times.

AJ

The thing is, it doesn't cycle off. The compressor is on all the time.

Thanks, Smitty

 

[Ranger850]

Does not work that way. As refrigerant leaks out, the compressor will start short cycles, on and off.. classic sign of low refrigerant. Then when enough refrigerant has leaked out, the low pressure switch won't even let the compressor kick on. It is this low pressure cut off switch that causes the short cycling as it turns off the compressor when the low side gets low enough. This is to save your compressor from frying itself. No refrigerant, no oil equals bad times.

AJ

just spit ballin'

 

[1990RangerinSK]

Sounds like a control issue, the low pressure cycling switch is stuck closed or your control panel switch assembly could be at fault.
Odd, the compressor should not engage (for cycling purposes) when the selector is set to *floor* but it should engage when *panel* is selected.

You sure about that? From my experience (mainly drawn from other Fords, as I've not had a Ranger newer than '91):

1. '95 up (assuming '95 was the year they changed the dash)
   1. HVAC control has A/C function on airflow dial.
   2. Settings
      1. Max A/C
         1. Compressor will run
         2. Air blows out panel vents only
         3. Recirculates cabin air
      2. A/C
         1. Compressor will run
         2. Air blows out panel vents only
      3. Vent (or Panel)
         1. Compressor will NOT run
         2. Air blows out panel vents only (obviously)
      4. Off
         1. Compressor will not run
         2. Airflow is blocked
      5. Floor/Vent
         1. Compressor will not run
         2. Air blows out floor vents AND panel vents
      6. Floor
         1. Compressor will not run
         2. Air blows out floor vents only
      7. Floor/Defrost
         1. Compressor will run
         2. Air blows out floor vents AND panel vents
      8. Defrost
         1. Compressor will run
         2. Air blows out defrost vents only
2. '94 and older
   1. HVAC control has separate A/C button, with indicator light
   2. Settings
      1. Recerc
         1. Air flows out panel vents only
         2. Compressor will run if A/C button is pressed (indicator light will turn on)
      2. Panel
         1. Air flows out panel vents only
         2. Compressor will run if A/C button is pressed (indicator light will turn on)
      3. Panel/Floor
         1. Air flows out panel vents and floor vents
         2. Compressor will run if A/C button is pressed (indicator light will turn on)
      4. Floor
         1. Air flows out floor vents only
         2. Compressor will run if A/C button is pressed (indicator light will turn on)
      5. Floor/Defrost
         1. Air flows out floor vents and defrost vents
         2. Compressor will run if A/C button is pressed (indicator light will turn on)
      6. Defrost
         1. Air flows out defrost vents only
         2. Compressor will run if A/C button is pressed (indicator light will turn on)

 

[Sloryd66]

I'll check again but i'm 99% sure that mine runs in every position other than the first click to the left (Vent only). I've been wanting to add a separate on off switch to disable the AC compressor...especially in the winter. I want to run the windshield defrost to provide heat only without the AC compressor needing to be on. I understand how defrost works in the non winter months by removing moisture...actually that's AC's primary function as dry air is easier to cool and moist air is easier to heat. But it's silly to have a compressor running by default on our vehicles when we want the opposite. Gimme a pre 94 Ranger with the button like most cars. My VW and every other car I've ever owned has had the option to engage the AC with a button...but Ford has to be a different bird.

 

[Smitty316]

I'll check again but i'm 99% sure that mine runs in every position other than the first click to the left (Vent only). I've been wanting to add a separate on off switch to disable the AC compressor...especially in the winter. I want to run the windshield defrost to provide heat only without the AC compressor needing to be on. I understand how defrost works in the non winter months by removing moisture...actually that's AC's primary function as dry air is easier to cool and moist air is easier to heat. But it's silly to have a compressor running by default on our vehicles when we want the opposite. Gimme a pre 94 Ranger with the button like most cars. My VW and every other car I've ever owned has had the option to engage the AC with a button...but Ford has to be a different bird.

Thanks, I'd appreciate what you find out when you check again. Again, mine's a 2009. Thanks.

 

[Sloryd66]

Thanks, I'd appreciate what you find out when you check again. Again, mine's a 2009. Thanks.

Pretty sure 99-2011 are all the same climate control. I'll let you know later tonight when i get home...I drove the Jetta to work today.