Ever consider a seperate recirc and compressor switch?

[CrimsonEclipse]

One thing about the Ford trucks is you can't select recirculation manually or choose when to have the A/C compressor on. Many other models seem to have these options.

Would it be difficult to rewire the system with a manual a/c switch (so I don't HAVE to have the *&^$# compressor in the dead of winter and a manual recirculation switch when I need recirculated air for just a few minutes while behind a poorly tuned vehicle or through a smoky area.

It's just a rotary switch right? Or is there something more complex that I should know about?

Cheers.

CE

 

[LittleHorse]

it's actually a good thing to run the compressor during winter. Sitting for months without running is very hard on it.

It runs during defrost so the cold evaporator will pull moisture out of the air so that there's not enough moisture left to condense on your windshield.

I dont know what style AC controls you have...my BII is a knob for fan speed and you push it in for A/C. Then there are two levers that control temp and dampers.

I do know the automatic climate control thing in my '02 F-150 is a PITA. I'd much rather just have some knobs and levers.

 

[AllanD]

well... on my gen1 the compressor is seleced by a push button switch
and the recirc is a mechanical air duct control

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[tomw]

You can add a switch to the newer systems if you wish. You would have to pick the spot where you make/break the connection. I would go for right near the accumulator and the LPCO switch. Easy access, and not up there under the dashboard. And, you can take it out and resplice the wires if you don't like it. Just remember to run the system at least once or twice a month in the cooler months. My first car with A/C had a cold weather cutout mounted in front of the radiator the disable the compressor when it was cold. The owners manual mentioned doing just what I said, IIRC.
My wife's T-bird has the compressor on in all but 3 positions: off, vent, floor heat, and I'm not too sure about that, even. Sometimes it feels as if the air coming thru the vents is cooled even when on 'vent'. Someone decided that the fan has to run in every position also, so I got to replace the blower motor because the brushes were worn away...
tom