A/C disconnect

l33tDad · Post by **l33tDad** » 25 Aug 2006, 09:01

Is there a way to stop the AC compressor engaging when the defroster is used?

Post by **billofdurham** » 25 Aug 2006, 16:07

I assume that you have the Electronic Climate Control fitted because that was fitted to my 960 and I had the same problem. I asked a Volvo dealer and an Independent Volvo auto electrician and both told me it was feasible to fit a switch in the line but it would upset the diagnostic unit every time it was used.

The only consolation I found was that I did not have to remember to run the AC through the winter.

Thank goodness Volvo fitted a Manual Climate Control to my 850.

Bill.

Post by **JRL** » 26 Aug 2006, 17:36

WHY?
Every A/C system uses the A/C with the defroster, it works better to clear the winsdhield

Post by **billofdurham** » 27 Aug 2006, 12:39

I must disagree about the AC always being on in defrost. The manual climate control system requires the driver to manually switch on the AC if it is needed to demist/defrost.

This is one of the reasons I prefer the manual climate control system as it gives me more choice. I can have ambient temperature air coming out of the defrost vents if I so wish. The main reason, however, is that there is a lot less to go wrong. The more complicated a system, the more likelihood of a foul up.

Bill.

l33tDad · Post by **l33tDad** » 27 Aug 2006, 20:11

JRL wrote:WHY?
Every A/C system uses the A/C with the defroster, it works better to clear the winsdhield

Because I can't afford the time or money to replace the evaporator anytime soon and would like to use the defroster when I need it without the compressor constantly cycling. I can't keep r134 in the system longer than a few weeks to keep it running decently.

Capt Jack · Post by **Capt Jack** » 30 Aug 2006, 15:46

Easy answer to this - set then fan slider to near full speed, and the airflow control to the first indent clockwise from the vertical defrost position - the airflow will still go 90% to the windscreen, but the a/c will not come on automatically, even if you have the ECC system.

I've found that doing this plus opening the two front windows a crack is every bit as effective a method of demisting as running with the a/c on, especially useful when you think of what the a/c will do to your fuel consumption.

Why is the world in general - and car makers in particular - so obsessed with a/c? In a temperate climate like the UK we really don't need it! Whatever happened to opening quarter lights? Oh Hell - I sound like my Dad again!

l33tDad · Post by **l33tDad** » 31 Aug 2006, 08:42

That's what I was thinking of doing, but I figured if it was a simple to disconnect it, might as well