A/C question reminder.....

[kpaske]

Has anyone found a way to turn off the Air conditioner, like this, in the (old) 99 models?

As already stated: When in Defrost mode, the Air runs (Not all the time, it actually cycles on and off). I think the ice would melt a lot faster in the mornings if I could just use plain old HOT air. Maybe I could find a wire and put in a switch, if there isn't already a way around this with the original controls. This should help with the initial ice melting, then I could flip a switch and go back to the factory method, of running the compressor, to control "the fog", as I Zoooom towards work looking throgh an ice free windshield!

Anyone try this, or think it's a bad idea?

Huh? Mine doesn't behave that way at all. If I put it on defrost and turn the heat to high, it blows hot air until I tell it to stop. And if I'm not mistaken, pressing the "AC" button makes the "AC" light go out, which I was assuming meant it was off.

[Techy-D]

Thanks DeerMagnet! That's good stuff... I agree with being able to control this beast! It's been controling me too long. I think I will make an AC disconnect and put the button in one of the blank spots.

Kpaske - I've tried a few things to get only hot air, but will be sure and check it again tonight. I will report if I find something other than what I've seen.

[kpaske]

Kpaske - I've tried a few things to get only hot air, but will be sure and check it again tonight. I will report if I find something other than what I've seen.

Maybe the early VXes were setup different? I notice that yours was built very late in the model year. I'm assuming you have the "old" style AC, as they changed it for the 00/01 model years, but it's possible they started incorporating the new climate control system late in 99. I got all sorts of extras on my mid model year Jetta that way.

[VehiGAZ]

My '99 is the same way - the two right-most positions (feet + windshield and all-windshield, IIRC) automatically turn the A/C compressor on, and you cannot shut it off by pressing A/C button.

Many cars do this for the all-windshield setting so that drivers who don't understand the complexities of their HVAC systems and controls can still defrost their windshields effectively just by moving the selector to that position.

kpaske - If you have it set on defrost and the A/C light is lit and you still have moisture, then set the temp control to the hot position. If you still have moisture, then maybe your A/C needs recharging or (and this became a family joke after I said it once to my sister in reference to her Cherokee) maybe your flap-valves are not actuating. That is, maybe the flaps in the ventilation ducts are not switching to direct air to the windshield. You should be able to figure out which it is by checking if you're getting airflow and by the temp of the air.

[kpaske]

kpaske - If you have it set on defrost and the A/C light is lit and you still have moisture, then set the temp control to the hot position. If you still have moisture, then maybe your A/C needs recharging or (and this became a family joke after I said it once to my sister in reference to her Cherokee) maybe your flap-valves are not actuating. That is, maybe the flaps in the ventilation ducts are not switching to direct air to the windshield. You should be able to figure out which it is by checking if you're getting airflow and by the temp of the air.

Yep, tried that stuff. It blows plenty hot, but the moisture always returns. I probably just need an AC recharge, like you say. At least that's what I'm hoping.

My flap valves are actuating quite nicely, thank you.

[WILLY]

I would like to put a kill switch in for the tod,it sucks my wallet dry with all the extra fuel it consumes.

[kpaske]

I would like to put a kill switch in for the tod,it sucks my wallet dry with all the extra fuel it consumes.

Wouldn't installing manual hubs and unlocking them effectively do the same thing, as well as decreasing driveline drag?