Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 05-18-2017, 08:40 AM
IronTom IronTom is offline
Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 20
Default Disabling A/C

Hello all,

For the last 3 years, my 2002, 4.0 V6 Ranger has been having A/C leaks. I've had the mechanic replace most of the major components and lines. I'm tired of throwing money at this problem and want to disable the A/C.

I know if I do not run the A/C, the compressor will eventually burn up due to lack of lubrication on the seals (I've had this happen in the past).

My question to the group... how best to disable the system?
- is there a shorter belt that can be installed and by-pass the compressor?
- is there an idler pulley that can be installed to replace the compressor?
- is there an way to electrically disconnect the compressor?

Looking for the lowest cost, most fail safe way to disable the system and not have the compressor burn up, which will cause other engine problems.

All suggestions or insights welcomed,
Tom
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-18-2017, 09:26 AM
cowboybilly9mile cowboybilly9mile is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,897
Default Re: Disabling A/C

a) Sounds like your A/C disables itself and no action on your part is needed
b) Automotive compressors do not magically "burn up" from lack of usage, but there is the possibility that not using it will increase the odds of refrigerant seal leakage. See a) above, since at this point it appears that leakage from that seal isn't going to be a realist concern.
c) The "lowest cost" disabling is a) above, and to realize that the belt will spin the CLUTCH pulley on the compressor, which has it's own bearing, which is replaceable. Think of your A/C clutch pulley as an idelr pulley when the AC is not running, and without adequate refrigerant in the system, there is a low pressure switch that will not allow it to run ("electrically disconnect the compressor" will be done automatically).

In a nutshell, just leave it be. Might want to (should) seriously scrutinize the whomever talked about burning up compressors due to lack of usage and this bizzare statement, "will cause other engine problems".
__________________
2004 Ranger FX4 Level II, 5R55E, Sonic Blue Pearl

Proudly JAP/RICE free since March 2000
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-18-2017, 06:03 PM
dvrich dvrich is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,181
Default Re: Disabling A/C

Replace what parts haven't been replaced and the leak problem will be solved. Find another mechanic who uses a leak detector and doesn't just replace parts.
It is a great idea to turn on the a/c from time to time in winter.
If you want to disable the compressor then just pull the plug on the clutch assembly.....simple as that.
A belt driven A/C compressor can't burn up, but it can seize up.
__________________

Last edited by dvrich; 05-19-2017 at 08:18 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-18-2017, 08:11 PM
NewShockerGuy NewShockerGuy is offline
2001 XLT
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,218
Default Re: Disabling A/C

You could also add an on/off switch to manually disable the AC... I did this and there is a thread on here somewhere. As I recall our AC comes on with EVERYTHING minus the foot or the head setting on the HVAC. I want to say I cut the purple wire on the HVAC control, added a simple toggle switch to that wire, which enables me to manually turn the AC compressor from cycling on ALL normally on setting for the air direction.

IE: If I have the setting on head/feet for air. By default Ford has the AC compressor on EVEN if I have the dial turned up for hot air. By flipping my switch off, the feet/air setting no longer cycles the AC compressor.

I know this changed with later models however my 01' and your 02' should be the same in that regards to the ac manual switch.

Here you go: Found the How To:
https://www.ranger forums .com/engine...itch-mod-8210/

Note that I added an LED inline with the switch. When my switch is UP and the AC compressor is on, the LED is lit. When I flip the switch down to the off position, the LED is not illuminated indicating the compressor will not come on/is off.

Hope that helps.

-Nigel
__________________
_____

2001 Ranger XLT 2.3L Auto: Bunch of misc mods.
Little lift: 4" Spindle Lift w/ 2" shackles and 2" oem blocks.OEM Ranger Sport Wheels: Tires=245x75x16

~NSG~
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
a/c, clutch, disable

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Disabling Chime module TB-9862 Electrical Tech 4 05-26-2015 10:40 AM
Disabling cycleproud Interior Tech 4 04-24-2012 12:10 AM
disabling day time running lights amoujaffar General Tech 21 10-07-2011 10:21 PM
How To: Disabling AdvanceTrac Seb_L Electrical Tech 3 05-12-2011 08:49 PM
Disabling jeano Electrical Tech 0 04-05-2009 10:55 AM