Windshield defogger = air conditioning?

Clayton_Jr · Dec 13, 2003

I noticed while in a friend's car (not a Ford) the other day that the air conditioning in that car automatically turns on when you turn the airflow dial either to floor+defogger or all the way to defogger-only. This occurs regardless of the air-temperature knob setting.

Is this true on the Focus? On that car, it was clear that this was happening because the A/C indicator light would turn on. I realize that A/C makes the defogger work better, but am concerned that I might be hurting my gas mileage by driving the car around with the A/C inadvertently turned on.

Anybody know?

Byron 3465 · Dec 13, 2003

Yes the A/C compressor runs when the selector is set in the floor/defrost and defrost position. If you turn the selector just slightly counter clockwise from the floor/def position (just out of the detent) you get the same air flow but no A/C compressor. That is where I run mine 90% of the time.

garyrich · Dec 13, 2003

Thanks for the tip. whoever thought it should automatically do this is

Ranger · Dec 13, 2003

Not sure about our Foci, but on some Fords the A/C will cycle off in the defrost mode when outside air temp falls to mid to low 30's.

bunnypancakehead · Dec 13, 2003

happens in every car to take moisture out of the air. its a good thing. it'll still flow the same air if you flick off the ac switch.

Byron 3465 · Dec 13, 2003

The A/C compressor run even with the A/C switch off, in the floor/def and def positions. Just like he said it helps take the moisture out of the air. Running the A/C once a week for 15min is good for keeping the seals in good shape anyway.

Windshield defogger = air conditioning?

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