Air conditioner mode not turning off

CoachBoone · 08-30-2004, 09:06 AM

I apologize if this has been covered before......couldn't find it. Whenever I turn my windshield defrost on, it ALWAYS turns on the AC light. So I turn it off, hoping I can get outside air flowing, but even tho the light is now off, the AC is still running while I defrost. If I turn up the temp control it warms up of course, but the compressor is still running and I'm getting AC air. Is this a defect or am I doing something wrong?

LuvMyTitan · 08-30-2004, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoachBoone

I apologize if this has been covered before......couldn't find it. Whenever I turn my windshield defrost on, it ALWAYS turns on the AC light. So I turn it off, hoping I can get outside air flowing, but even tho the light is now off, the AC is still running while I defrost. If I turn up the temp control it warms up of course, but the compressor is still running and I'm getting AC air. Is this a defect or am I doing something wrong?

As we say in the software business....It's a feature!!

Actually, seems like quite a few people have replicated this, so sounds like for better of for worse, its working as designed.

Hector313 · 08-30-2004, 09:23 AM

Hi, yes this is normal. The AC turns on to remove the moisture from the air and therefore defrost the windows quicker. And yes you can still turn the heat up to warm the air but it will still be dehumidified first by the AC coils. I really can’t remember but I believe that you can turn off the re-circulate button on the left so that fresh air is brought in. However, if it is in defrost mode, the AC will be on regardless of the buttons that you press.

RS250R · 08-30-2004, 11:00 AM

The Comperssor working in Defrost is normal. It is supposed to in order to work like a Dehumidifier....

Take it out of Defrost, with the A/C light off... does the comperssor still cycle... even with the A/C off and Defrost off? Mine does.

Now that is a feature. The only way to stop the comperssor is to turn the ignition off...

Tom Roper · 08-30-2004, 11:12 AM

That's the *feature* mine has

Dula_titan · 08-30-2004, 11:34 AM

At first I thought that people were crazy with this, but I've been able to replicate it. Run the defrost, it engages the A/C. No matter what is selected afterwards, the A/C compressor still runs (and sighs/hisses). Turn of ignition and all is well again.

Weird. Since it's not a real big issue, I'll just wait 'til my next service to bring it up with the dealer.

RS250R · 08-30-2004, 01:45 PM

Actually, it is a big issue. Gas is not that cheap, plus having the compressor run all the time is not good. This will be especially bad during the winter. Took mine to dealer, they were stumped... They called Nissan Help... we are waiting on a resolution. I am sure this is going to be one of those normal things but it is not good for the compressor.

Oh well.

Dula_titan · 08-30-2004, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RS250R

Actually, it is a big issue. Gas is not that cheap, plus having the compressor run all the time is not good. This will be especially bad during the winter. Took mine to dealer, they were stumped... They called Nissan Help... we are waiting on a resolution. I am sure this is going to be one of those normal things but it is not good for the compressor.

Oh well.

Still not a big issue for me since I cut off my truck at least once a day.

I agree that it needs to be fixed... I had to have the A/C compressor replaced on my 97 Jimmy and they cost big $$$. But since the workaround is simple and works, I'm not gonna stress about it.

Colorado · 08-30-2004, 02:58 PM

According to page 4-12 of the Owner's Manual, here's how it SHOULD work...

"When the DEFROST position is selected, the airconditioner automatically turns on (however, the indicator light on the A/C button will not come on and A/C will not appear on the display, if so equipped) if the outside temperature is more than 36°F (2°C). If in defrost mode for more than one minute, the air conditioning system will continue to operate until the fan control dial is turned to OFF or the vehicle is shut off, even if the air flow control dial is turned to a position other than the DEFROST position. This dehumidifies the air which helps defog the windshield. The mode automatically turns off, allowing outside air to be drawn into the passenger compartment to further improve the defogging performance."

The only way to turn it off is to shut-off the truck - at least in my case

. The "until the fan control dial is turned to OFF" thingy-dingy is inoperative

.

I'd be interested to know if ANY Titan owners have a DEFROST system that can actually be taken out of A/C without shutting off the engine.