I myself nor FRF and the author of this mod are not responsible for any damage/injury, * I have complete permission to use this information* *DISCLAIMER* http://www.george-novak.com/ACmod.html for more mods...

The idea behind this mod is to be able to control the A/C Compressor with a single switch. This duplicates the blue "A/C" switch that is found in many automobiles. You can then leave the A/C control in the MAX position, and re-circulate chilled air without running the compressor. Basically, this mod will cut circuit 348 (A/C demand signal) which tells the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) that the A/C control panel is in a selection that uses the A/C compressor. This mod does not interfere with the PCM, it just interrupts the signal send from the A/C panel.

This procedure was researched using the Ford service CD and has been verified by technicians who work at Ford dealerships.
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To start, you must remove the center panel in the dash. You begin by removing the two screws above the A/C control panel. Then, get your fingernails behind the panel and pull forward. It will slide out towards the rear of the truck.
To remove the panel, you disconnect: The radio (red connector), Antenna (silver banana plug), Cig Lighter (two connectors on left), Aux 12 volt power plug (connector on right). If you have fog lights, there is an additional connector on the right side.

Here's the Ford diagram of all the wires with the entire dash apart. The connector you are after is 294A. It has 4 wires in it, it's red, and it connects behind the A/C panel. It's a little right of the center.

This is Connector 294A under the antenna plug. Use a screwdriver to release the catch. The violet (purple) colored wire on top is the one we will cut for adding the switch. I added two short wires with spade connectors to make it easier.

This is the Ford chart for connector 294A. The A/C demand circuit is where we add the switch. This will interrupt circuit 348, which tells the PCM to turn on the compressor. Cut the Violet wire and add your switch.

I installed my switch above the Cig Lighter using an existing mounting spot. To get the area flush, I first cut off the raised plastic mounting box area.

I next used my dremel to cut and smooth the area, so my switch will fit flush. Then drill the proper size hole and install the switch. I used a metal one from Home Depot after my plastic Radio Shack one broke it's nut.

Now put the panel back, making sure the radio slides into it's rail. Reconnect the radio and other connectors. Connect the new switch (I used spade connectors). Replace the screws over the A/C control panel.


And there you go.

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2003 Ranger Edge ... crashed

2011 sport 4x4 with a little modification

Anyway to get the pictures bigger?

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Sgtsandman's Work in Progress
2011 Ranger XLT, 4X4, 4 door Super Cab. 4.0L, 5 Speed M50D-R1HD, 3.73:1, 8.8" open differential, Jason Pace cap
2019 Ford Ranger STX FX4, Super Crew, 2.3L Ecoboost, 10 speed automatic, 3.73:1 with rear locker, Leer 100XR cap

FYI, this does not exactly let you use the AC whenever you want. This lets you DISABLE the AC in the settings it would normally operate in. From the factory, AC operates in all settings except panel only and floor only.

This switch will not let you run the AC in those two settings that it doesn't normally run in (panel only and floor only).

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

X2, I would like to do this but can't 100% tell what I am supposed to do. I like big pictures.

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2008 Shadow Grey 2.3 4 Cylinder, 5 Speed Manual, Ranger XL Standard Cab, 6ft Bed Fleetside, 112 Wheel Base, 3.73 Axle Code 86

Installed: Uniden Pro520XL, Aluminum Camper/Topper

"I thought this was America, huh, isn't this America, I'm sorry I thought this was America" -Randy Marsh

I usually unplug my a/c compressor under the hood in the winter months.

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2001 Red Ranger Edge 3.0L, Air box mod, Throttle cable mod, Blinker mod, 5% tint on all windows

I do the same.

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2008 Shadow Grey 2.3 4 Cylinder, 5 Speed Manual, Ranger XL Standard Cab, 6ft Bed Fleetside, 112 Wheel Base, 3.73 Axle Code 86

Installed: Uniden Pro520XL, Aluminum Camper/Topper

"I thought this was America, huh, isn't this America, I'm sorry I thought this was America" -Randy Marsh

I did this mod. Initially I had it with just a spst switch. It did the job but I wanted confirmation of when the AC was on. So I wired an LED inline with the switch on the purple control wire.

The wire puts out 11.8v on my truck. I read somewhere someone thought that it only put out 3-4v which wasn't the case at all.

Figured this might help someone.

It's nice to be able to switch on the AC or OFF depending on the time, or in the winter time when I want heat, I have no use for the AC to be on!






-Nigel

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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~

I did this to. In the summer my little 2.5L turns into a dog with the a/c on. Also, I was right there adding switches for my light bar and interior lights so why not cut one wire and add a switch? I do believe it helps regardless of what some say. Anyways, easy simple little mod. My question is how did you wire in the LED? My switches are light up when they are on so as long as I've wired it right, it should light up when it's on correct?

For some reason I can't post pics :/

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HAD -93' xlt supercab, 5-speed, 4wd, k&n filter,cb, fog lights
HAD-2000 Ranger Xlt 3.slow V6 4wd K&N, gibson exhaust, cb, hid's, fog lights, backup lights, interior blue lights, kenwood sub & amp, push bar, t-bar crank, frf stickers, cab lights.
NOW-00' xlt reguglar cab, 5-speed, 2wd, coil springs, "rangeriee" as my girlfriend named it , red interior led lights, and much more planned for the future!

Unplugging the AC compressor in the winter can cause your compressor seals to dry out and leak refrigerant. The compressor needs to operate to keep the seals lubricated and sealed.

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George

2011 Ranger Sport 4 door SuperCab 4X4 Oxford White, 4.0 Auto Mods: XLT Carpet, Pin Stripes, Clear Corners, Extang Revolution Tonno, LineX, Pre Key mod, tailgate lightbar, cab lights, Muth heated signal mirrors
2008 Ranger Reg Cab 4X2 Redfire Vulcan Auto Mods:FX4 body color grille, Sport aluminum wheels, Extang Revolutioin Tonno, color matched bed liner, tailgate lightbar TRADED

That can happen but in my case my case the ac system didn't have refrigerant for about 5 years. I repaired the cracked condenser line over a year ago and have not added any refrigerant since then when I recharged the system, knocking on lots of wood now.lol.

I like the idea of adding an additional switch for the compressor so that you don't have to run it every time you defrost your windshield or need the heat.

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2014 F150 xl 3.7 6 speed auto.

Not specically sure with the 3 pin switches that illuminate, however I would imagine that you would tie the hot wire to the pin that actually lights the switch up.

The way I wired mine looks like this:

excuse the paint diagram...lol



-Nigel

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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~

Alright thanks! I'll take a look this weekend at it.

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HAD -93' xlt supercab, 5-speed, 4wd, k&n filter,cb, fog lights
HAD-2000 Ranger Xlt 3.slow V6 4wd K&N, gibson exhaust, cb, hid's, fog lights, backup lights, interior blue lights, kenwood sub & amp, push bar, t-bar crank, frf stickers, cab lights.
NOW-00' xlt reguglar cab, 5-speed, 2wd, coil springs, "rangeriee" as my girlfriend named it , red interior led lights, and much more planned for the future!

I did this, but now when the switch is off the blower is off. Did I cut the wrong wire? Maybe the purple one in my truck was for the blower control? Thanks

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2010 Ford Ranger 4x4 Sport

Mods Done:
K&N Air Charger, Flowmaster 44 Series Exhaust, T-Bar Crank, 31" tires, Pioneer Double DIN Deck, Decals, Throttle Cable Mod, Raptor Side Steps, Black-out Taillights, Blinker Mod, Mustang Dome Light Mod, Cargo Light Mod.

Got her sorted...did some digging around online, and anyone with a truck 2006+ needs to cut the green/orange striped wire, not the purple one. Re-spliced the purple one, and cut the green/orange one, and now its working like a charm. Thanks! Here's a pic of where I mounted my switch...

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2010 Ford Ranger 4x4 Sport

Mods Done:
K&N Air Charger, Flowmaster 44 Series Exhaust, T-Bar Crank, 31" tires, Pioneer Double DIN Deck, Decals, Throttle Cable Mod, Raptor Side Steps, Black-out Taillights, Blinker Mod, Mustang Dome Light Mod, Cargo Light Mod.