AC defrost disable - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Diesel_Dave · 12-12-2011, 04:24 PM

I like the idea too...I just don't know how to do it. I'm not too great with electrical stuff.

Diesel_Dave · 12-12-2011, 04:26 PM

By the way, mbrac, I see you're from Indiana as well. Where abouts?

Frank Lee · 12-12-2011, 04:29 PM

Having had the first compressor on my '94 fail- probably due to lack of use- I now make a point of exercising it periodically.

mbrac · 12-12-2011, 04:30 PM

Huntington - but work in Ft. Wayne - so I drive a 07 Focus about 90 miles round trip - and car pool with my wife - so we dont' ware out 2 new cars - currently getting about 37 mpg - looking to improve more

Diesel_Dave · 12-12-2011, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbrac

Huntington - but work in Ft. Wayne - so I drive a 07 Focus about 90 miles round trip - and car pool with my wife - so we dont' ware out 2 new cars - currently getting about 37 mpg - looking to improve more

Driven through it a time or two on US-24. Welcome. I live south of Indy in Franklin, but work in Columbus.

greenkz · 12-12-2011, 06:36 PM

there should be a plug on the compressor itself, i would just unplug it.

i noticed that the ac operates when i turn on the defroster, it increases the idle speed by 300 rpm to compensate.

moorecomp · 12-12-2011, 06:50 PM

You may want to check the radiator cooling fan also. On my car it was designed to kick on when the a/c was running. The thing draws a lot of amps.

morphector · 12-12-2011, 07:23 PM

running ac in winter is really effective to defrost the winshield since it helps remove moisture from the air.

I drove several times trought mountains in winter in a minivan with 7 passenger. at -35C it was impossible to keep windows clear without the ac. There was too much condensation from human breathing in the car!

NeilBlanchard · 12-12-2011, 10:53 PM

This is pet peeve of mine -- the A/C should be run for about a minute when you first turn on the defroster, and then let the heat take over. Or at the very least it should be manually shut off at the driver's discretion.

If you have ever driven in an ice storm (I have many times) then you know you want only heat on the windshield. A/C running totally kills the fuel economy. Another situation is cold rain -- with 100% humidity and cold air, I have had condensation form on the *outside* of the windshield while barely keeping the inside clear. Switching to "pure" heat works best in that situation, as well -- and the only way to get all the air flow on the defroster and not have any A/C involved -- is to pull the fuse.

I pulled mine a couple of years ago, and I have not missed it 99.8% of the time. For the few times when it would have helped, I just have to wait for the engine to warm up.

Diesel_Dave · 12-13-2011, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

This is pet peeve of mine -- the A/C should be run for about a minute when you first turn on the defroster, and then let the heat take over. Or at the very least it should be manually shut off at the driver's discretion.

If you have ever driven in an ice storm (I have many times) then you know you want only heat on the windshield. A/C running totally kills the fuel economy. Another situation is cold rain -- with 100% humidity and cold air, I have had condensation form on the *outside* of the windshield while barely keeping the inside clear. Switching to "pure" heat works best in that situation, as well -- and the only way to get all the air flow on the defroster and not have any A/C involved -- is to pull the fuse.

I pulled mine a couple of years ago, and I have not missed it 99.8% of the time. For the few times when it would have helped, I just have to wait for the engine to warm up.

When you say you "pulled" yours, did you just disconnect the electrical connector going to the AC compressor?