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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8
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OP
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Posts: 8 |
I have a 2000 Contour. When I select the defroster or defrost/floor setting the air conditioning compressor is on. Is this normal? Can something be modified so the compressor doesn't come on? 
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,476
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Posts: 4,476 |
totally normal, sucks power - but normal
Todd Christ SVT Contour Registry
MODS: KKM Intake, SHO Shop Y-Pipe, Bullit Fuel Door, Edelbrock RPM Resonator
'98 E0 SVT Contour #1037 of 6535
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 151
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Posts: 151 |
Defrost turns the compressor on to "dry" out the air so that it clears your windows better.
Deron
'99 Tropic Green SVT #924/2760
K&N, Mobil1, '98 Clock, dual horns,
SHO Shop Rear Strut Tower Brace,
BAT Rear Sway Bar Bushings,
ST200 Shift knob, Pioneer TS-A6855
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,805
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Posts: 5,805 |
The only two settings the compressor does not cycle are 'vent' and 'off'
V6 MTX
'Don't p**s up my back then tell me it's raining!!!"
'Its only nuts & bolts!'
'If I build it,fix it,upgrade it or modify it...MAYBE they will come....!
Haines Motor Sports Inc,
Dealer for 'Quaife America' & 'Autotech Sport Tuning'
SOLE USA Dealer for the American Axle 'AUSSIE BAR'...
Get a Turbo for you Zetec from HMS Inc...by 'The Demon' ...www.DemonDynamics.co.uk
..don't talk about it DO IT !!!
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8
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OP
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I had a GM product years ago that did the same thing, but in that engine compartment I could just reach in and pull the connector from the compressor. No room to do that in the Contour. :rolleyes:
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,805
Member
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Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,805 |
Put a switch in the a/c clutch circuit.
V6 MTX
'Don't p**s up my back then tell me it's raining!!!"
'Its only nuts & bolts!'
'If I build it,fix it,upgrade it or modify it...MAYBE they will come....!
Haines Motor Sports Inc,
Dealer for 'Quaife America' & 'Autotech Sport Tuning'
SOLE USA Dealer for the American Axle 'AUSSIE BAR'...
Get a Turbo for you Zetec from HMS Inc...by 'The Demon' ...www.DemonDynamics.co.uk
..don't talk about it DO IT !!!
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 174
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Posts: 174 |
You want the AC compressor to run in def mode to dry the humid air. More important, The AC compressor must run from
time to time to prevent the shaft seals from going bad. If the compressor shaft is allowed to stay in one spot all
winter the seals will dry and flatten and you will develop a leak (and an expensive fix). Leave it connected and save yourself the cost of a new compressor when summer comes.
jeff
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8
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 FYI: SOMEONE I KNOW HAS AS 2001 FORD PRODUCT (A FOCUS) AND ACCORDING TO HIS MANUAL, THE AC DOES NOT CYCLE ON DEFROST SETTING IF THE AMBIENT TEMP IS UNDER 40 DEGREES. WILL HAVE TO CHECK MY MANUAL. ANYWAY,THANKS TO ALL WHO REPLIED.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17
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Posts: 17 |
Actually, there are 3 settings where the compressor will not operate; vent ( or dash), floor ( or heat) and of course, off. My '97 Ranger has a factory switch where if the outside ambient temperature is ( I believe) below 50F, the compressor will not kick on in either defrost modes ( dash only, or dash/floor). 
'95 Contour SE, Teal Blue
5-speed, 223K, In process of restoring. Loaded. All factory stuff.
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 65
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Posts: 65 |
As mercman correctly pointed out, you can't let the A/C system sit all winter without running. If you have a vehicle where the compressor does not run when the outside temp is less than 40 or 50 degrees (I've owned two vehicles with that feature), you must manually turn on the A/C system periodically during the cold weather months or your seals can fail.
I have gotten into the habit of running my system at least twice a month during the winter for at least 5 or 10 minutes each time.
'97 White Mystique 2.0 and
'98 Green Contour 2.5
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