I installed a manual switch for the AC compressor, i removed the lighter and installed a switch in it's place. I got the switch from the source(radio shack) it almost looks like is supposed to be there. I think think this mod is great i hate driving around with only the floor or dash options unless i want the compressor on when the temp drops below 7C. I wil add a photo when i figure out how

 

I used the exact same setup. The switch looks good in that location,
but I couldn't find a switch with a green LED at the time, so mine is red.

 

Yep, my favorite mod so far.

 

what is the purpose of it i guess i dont understand....

 

By design from the factory, the AC compressor runs whether you want it to or not in Max AC, AC, Floor/Vent, Floor Defrost, and Defrost. The only setting it does not run in is vent only and floor only. This is dumb for many reason and annoying to those who enjoy having full control of everything in the vehicle. Behind the HVAC control panel is a purple wire. Cut it and put a switch inline. This wire is the AC demand that tells the computer to use the compressor. The switch lets you disable it unless you want it.

Also FYI... all settings are full fresh air except MAX AC which is recirculation.

 

The ac compressor also robs your truck of hp and fuel economy when it is on

 

lickwise!!! i love it

 

are there some pics and a how-to for this?

 

But of course: https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ead.php?t=8210

One word of warning.. there is some suggestion (by way of Bob) that one of the reasons the AC pump runs in these modes is to ensure that the pump gets operated periodically. The idea is that if the pump is not used for extended periods of time, that the seals could wear from lack of lubrication, thus causing the pump to fail prematurely. I think the running opinion is that you should try to run the pump once or twice a month for maybe 20-30 min at a time to prevent this.

 

I judt installed a switch in my truck today. It works, I guess I'll find out how well in the summer. There wasn't much difference (idle in park anyway). I installed the switch in the spacer clip on my dual din to single din adapter plate. There's room for two more switches =].

 

I put my switch in between the fog light switch and power point

 

So the AC compressor is running even if you're running the heater?

 

AC is enabled/disabled based on the discharge mode selected, not on the temperature selected.

AC compressor operation allowed:
Max AC
AC
Vent/Floor
Vent/Defrost
Defrost

AC compressor operation not allowed:
Vent only
Floor only
Off

 

Yup..

 

that was one feature i really liked in my 92 and my 86... i may have to add this one

 

yea good mod... i really havent noticed an increase in gas milage since ive done it and possilby a decrease becasue teh last two fill ups were 16mpg instead of my usual 17-18 so im not sure if its related or not...

 

Your mileage falloff could be because of the season. I never get as good mileage in the winter as I do in the rest of the year. Keep a log and look for long-term trends.

 

yea it may be because the past few weeks have been the only really cold days here... but other then that i started keeping track in early december and my best to date was 18 in early january...

 

Could be winter vs summer gas too..

 

lookin for more info on this switch, and maybe a pic if you have one

 

Did this mod as well..LOVE IT! some ask why? I say why not!

 

Does this allow you to choose when to turn on/off the AC or just when you want the truck to be able to control it? What I would like is a way to turn on/off the AC when I want. So if I need to defog the windsheild I can turn it on when I have defrost on, for example. This switch would seem only to control whether or not it is possible for the compressor to run when the PCM wants it to?

Thanks

 

As long as the temperature is high enough to prevent evaporator coil icing, the A/C compressor ALWAYS cycles when the DEF or FLOOR/DEF is selected. A compressor switch would allow you to prevent that if you wish. So, it seems to me that the end result would be just about the same - you can turn off the compressor when you want instead of allowing it to operate in 5 of the 8 positions of the Mode Selector switch.

Factory configuration

AC compressor operation allowed:
Max AC
AC
Vent/Floor
Vent/Defrost
Defrost

AC compressor operation not allowed:
Vent only
Floor only
Off


The air source selector door is in the "fresh" position in every mode except Max A/C and OFF. In those two modes, it reverts to "recirculate".

 

Great, thanks. :)

 

Keep us posted about the mpg's! Im gettin ready to do a 4000 mile trip so I could use a little extra fuel economy(however little). The mod sounds great anyway though, thanks.