A/C compressor vs. TC: A discussion

[SuperHO]

so as we all know, without a custom tune, turning on the A/C or defroster makes the torque converter ****** off. So....the thought I'm having is pulling the A/C fuse in the winter time when it's not really needed, per se, thus not letting the compressor cycle, maybe extending the life of the weaksauce torque converter in these cars. Possible? Discuss.

 

[SHOZ123]

The biggest drawback would be the loss of efficiency of the defroster action. If you drive with a window cracked most of the time I don't think this would be a huge issue though.

 

[93rev2sev]

Your A/C works?!

 

[hawkeye18]

Do you guys have a clutch cycling switch like the gen2s have? If so, I'd just pull that. That's what I did on my 94. The compressor isn't supposed to come on under 55 degrees but it constantly did so I yanked the cycling switch and no more problems. In the winter, the stuff on the windshield that the defroster clears off really *is* frost, not condensation like in the summer - therefore I doubt the air being dryer is going to matter much.

 

[SHOZ123]

It's the interior moisture that builds up where the AC is so useful in removing it not the outside stuff.

 

[hawkeye18]

perhaps so, but honestly... if I have a choice between moisture on the windshield and blowing 10 degree air into my car, and thereafter my face, I'd choose the former. Just sayin'. That's what my sleeve is for.

 

[93rev2sev]

Once the frost is thawed, it's in the air as moisture. It's handy to have the A/C dry that air so that when you get in the car the next time, there will be no(or very little) frost on the inside of the windshield.

That's why the A/C compressor comes on with heat.

 

[Silvapain]

FWIW, the way the Taurus climate control works is called a "reheat" HVAC system.

 

[SuperHO]

so will pulling the fuse for the A/C stop the TC from doing it's little song and dance?

 

[Izzmo]

I'm interested in this as well.. as I'm having the exact same problem as SuperHO.

 

[SHOZ123]

There isn't a fuse just for the AC. Why not just disconnect the plug at the compressor? Or at the cycling switch near the rear of the right headlamp?

And Izzmo your's should not be doing that. If it is it is a hardware problem and not being done by PCM control.

 

[Izzmo]

ya, I'm pretty sure it's my compressor. It's been acting weird, that's why I want to see if this will work and save it to it probably craps out during the summer.