Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General how much energy does "A/C" save over "MAX A/C" ?

Hi,

I'm going to assume the last post was directed at me. The purpose of the switch is to give me control of the compressor when I have the defroster on, otherwise it cycles constantly and drives me crazy. When the compressor cycles it causes a very annoying surge and PCM commanded rise in fuel flow. That last little bit is kind of spooky when I'm creeping along in 1st in the middle of a traffic jam. If I get a little too close and the D@*$%^** compressor kicks in...well let's just say...I hate being awakened from a perfectly good commute sleep! In addition to that cool feature I now can have air entering the cabin at head level and not hit me in the face and dry out my poor tired eyes

...Ed

this might sorta be off topic but what about removing the a/c? Ive heard of a lot of people doing it to reduce weight. I almost never use mine so id be willin to remove it if the pros outweighed the cons. Anyone have more information on this?

The Duratech handles the AC better than a Zetec. I had a 97 and it had no power with it on.

My new V6 car it's seems to run only a little less HP.

TIP: Installing a new cabin air filter helps the AC work better, less time on, less drag, less power loss.

I barely even notice the AC compressor engaging with the TDI. Must be all that MaD DiEZeL ToRK! The air is ice cold and it has a separate on/off and recirculation button, rather than the Max AC/AC/and automatic AC cycling in def.

I remember that Consumer Reports tested pickups and wondered about the tailgate. Their tests proved inconclusive.

Read my quote again. If you have an SVT, you have a lightened flywheel compaired to a regular MTX contour. Someone posted a fix for this a few months ago, search for it if you want.

In numerous, bladder-busting, 80mph jaunts across the desolate stretches of I-10 in Florida in 100 degree heat, I've absolutely never had such a problem running the system completely on Max, regardless of fan speed setting (usually on 1 or 2).

Folks have already answered your first question (the compressor cycles on/off). As for your second question, when you set the temp knob warmer the heat comes from the heater core.

Gerald:
I guess my analogy masked the answer, eh?

Ooops, I missed that... Well I guess my excuse is that I was still wiped from Spring Zing.

Thank you both for taking the time to answer.

I think this means that whatever else you may do it is more efficient to keep the a/c at lowest temp setting (unless that makes it too cold). So rather than say run max a/c with temp set higher (nobody does that do they?) it is better to have it on regular a/c with temp at minimum (and higher blower setting if needed).