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  #1  
Old 09-23-2009, 06:28 PM
DieHard4rd DieHard4rd is offline
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Default WTF is up with the Rangers addiction to the A/C?

I put this in the 4cyl tech as my truck is a 4cyl. But I am guessing this applies to all newer Rangers 6cyl included.

Any setting on the HVAC except for vent & floor activates the A/C compressor.
This affects power & fuel mileage.

So simple fix right? Just unplug the wire from the A/C compressor & it can't engauge.
Well it doesn't engauge the A/C but something thinks it is.

Why do I say that? Well go out & unplug it like I did the go for a drive. Find a place you can coast. Put it in neutral & the RPMs drop to about 1100RPM, now as you are coasting at 1100rpm turn the a/c or defrost on & watch the rpms jump up tp 2100rpm & stay there. The only way it will idle down is to either be at a complete stop or to turn the a/c off. Now remember the compressor is unplugged. WTF??

I simply want to be able to run my defrost without the a/c sucking up my MPG & power. & it defeats the purpose if it revs up between shifts & idles at 2100rpm in neutral.

My old Festiva didn't have a/c & the defrost worked fine..


Please help me figure this out!!
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  #2  
Old 09-23-2009, 06:31 PM
Downey Downey is offline
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the compressor turns on to keep the internals lubed. there is a write up on rf about someone putting in a switch to turn it on and off
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  #3  
Old 09-23-2009, 06:38 PM
DieHard4rd DieHard4rd is offline
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I unplugged it so it can't turn on.

But the computer must still think the a/c is on because it is compensating for drag that isn't there: ie the rpms jumping from 1100 - 2100. If the compressor wasn't unplugged the load of the compressor would keep it from increasing the rpm's.
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  #4  
Old 09-23-2009, 07:01 PM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SNOWBALL09 View Post
I unplugged it so it can't turn on.

But the computer must still think the a/c is on because it is compensating for drag that isn't there: ie the rpms jumping from 1100 - 2100. If the compressor wasn't unplugged the load of the compressor would keep it from increasing the rpm's.
It's doing that because the PCM is commanding the compressor clutch and anticipating the load by upping the IAC duty cycle. It is possible to put a switch in the "A/C allowed" wire from the HVAC controls and the PCM will not command A/C or the load compensation to the IAC.

What year is your truck?
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2003 FX4 Level II, Supercharged 5.0L V8, Headers, Duals
BW4406 manual transfer case, Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's
Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
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2003 XLT 2.3L M5OD-R1 reg cab, 2011 Taurus SEL, 2016 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid
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  #5  
Old 09-23-2009, 07:05 PM
DieHard4rd DieHard4rd is offline
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It's an 09 2.3l 5spd manual.
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  #6  
Old 09-23-2009, 07:25 PM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
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The newest Ranger Wiring Manual that I have is for 2008. Since 2009 is basically carryover, this info is probably applicable to yours as well.

Behind the Mode Selector Switch in the HVAC control panel, there is a wire that tells the PCM if A/C is allowed or not. This wire is hot in all modes except OFF, VENT ONLY and FLOOR ONLY. Installing a simple on/off switch in that wire gives the driver the ability to either turn off the compressor completely in all modes or to let it operate as Ford designed it.

The color code for that wire in 2007/2008 Rangers is green w/orange stripe.

It is a good idea to run the compressor once in a while even in cooler weather to keep the compressor seals lubricated. Ford runs the compressor in several modes to help prevent warranty failures in the A/C system.
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BW4406 manual transfer case, Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's
Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, ABS switch, sway bar discos
Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles

2003 XLT 2.3L M5OD-R1 reg cab, 2011 Taurus SEL, 2016 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid

Last edited by rwenzing; 09-23-2009 at 07:34 PM.
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  #7  
Old 09-23-2009, 07:36 PM
DieHard4rd DieHard4rd is offline
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Thanks a lot man!!

I will install a switch in the wire this week
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  #8  
Old 09-23-2009, 07:41 PM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
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I have been using a similar setup in my 2003 for over 5 years. The only difference is the purple color code that Ford used for several years from 2006 back.
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2003 FX4 Level II, Supercharged 5.0L V8, Headers, Duals
BW4406 manual transfer case, Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's
Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, ABS switch, sway bar discos
Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles

2003 XLT 2.3L M5OD-R1 reg cab, 2011 Taurus SEL, 2016 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid
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  #9  
Old 09-23-2009, 07:42 PM
Clem Clem is offline
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You have to unplug or turn it off in the winter too, Ford calls it CLIMATE CONTROL, I call it a waste of gas in the winter. I run the heater to be warm in the winter, it is adjustable for more or less heat, in the summer I plug the a/c back in.

Ray
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  #10  
Old 09-23-2009, 07:45 PM
DieHard4rd DieHard4rd is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rwenzing View Post
I have been using a similar setup in my 2003 for over 5 years. The only difference is the purple color code that Ford used for several years from 2006 back.
Where did you mount your toggle switch?
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  #11  
Old 09-23-2009, 08:05 PM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SNOWBALL09 View Post
Where did you mount your toggle switch?
I have a transplanted Explorer EATC climate control in my Ranger. One of the switches in the head unit is used to control a relay that interrupts the wire. So, no additional switch on mine.

I've seen this done several times on other Rangers without EATC and the switch is usually added to the radio bezel somewhere. Here's one:

http://www.ranger forums .com/forum2/...or-switch.html
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2003 FX4 Level II, Supercharged 5.0L V8, Headers, Duals
BW4406 manual transfer case, Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's
Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, ABS switch, sway bar discos
Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles

2003 XLT 2.3L M5OD-R1 reg cab, 2011 Taurus SEL, 2016 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid
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  #12  
Old 09-23-2009, 09:17 PM
Johnbaum13 Johnbaum13 is offline
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Has it been mentioned yet that Bob's truck is the Shiz?
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  #13  
Old 09-24-2009, 03:09 PM
Jay FX4 Jay FX4 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnbaum13 View Post
Has it been mentioned yet that Bob's truck is the Shiz?
Best Ranger ever.
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NOS for teh horse powaz!!!
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  #14  
Old 09-26-2009, 01:35 PM
DieHard4rd DieHard4rd is offline
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STL. you said I should use the green wire with an orange stripe. ( which that plug does contain )
But it also has the purple/violet wire that the other user here said he used.

I looked at the how to that RW linked me & that guy used the purple/violet wire that is in the top of the connector that holds the 4 wires.

The top wire on my connector is purple/violet & the 2nd wire down is green with an orange stripe.

So that leaves me a little unsure what to do.

My gut says go with the purple/violet wire in the top position.


Please help..


Anyone??
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  #15  
Old 09-26-2009, 02:38 PM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
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For 2007~2009 the 4-pin connector at the mode selector switch has these color codes:

green/brown
green/orange
green/brown
violet/grey

The correct wire for the compressor disable switch is green/orange.
The violet/grey is for the blower motor relay so putting a switch there will not disable the compressor.

[The solid purple wire mod was for 2006 and several years earlier. It is not the correct wire for your 2009. I posted the link to the A/C mod on the earlier truck to answer the question that you asked about the switch location.]
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2003 FX4 Level II, Supercharged 5.0L V8, Headers, Duals
BW4406 manual transfer case, Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's
Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, ABS switch, sway bar discos
Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles

2003 XLT 2.3L M5OD-R1 reg cab, 2011 Taurus SEL, 2016 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid

Last edited by rwenzing; 09-26-2009 at 02:40 PM.
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