Disabling the automatic A/C with defrost setting

[OffroadX]

How to disable the automatic engagement of the A/C during defrost:
(2000 model year procedure, 2001 models may vary)

I don't know about anyone else, but there are times I want fresh air
flowing out of the defroster vents without having the darn A/C kicking
in. There is a small switch in the mechanism for the HVAC controls that is
engaged when the knob is turned towards a position that directs air to the
windshield. You just need to take it out of the picture, and you don't make
any irreversable changes to do it. Just press the A/C button to clear the
windows.

Items needed:
Medium size phillips-head screwdriver
Very tiny phillips-head or flathead screwdriver, about eyeglass size

1. Release (not remove) the grey plastic trim below the steering wheel,
there are 2 screws at the bottom corners. You just need to get it loose
so that you can push it down about 2 inches at the top around the
steering column.

2. Remove the dash surround. There are 2 screws above the radio, and
another two on the underside of the top of the gauge well. The smooth
piece the second two screws go through comes out with it, there are 2
screws at the bottom edge of it as well, behind the grey trim piece you
should have released in step 1. It will take a little tugging, but it
will all come off cleanly. Disconnect the 3 wiring harnesses for the power
mirrors, hazard lights, and rear defroster before you go yanking the thing
completely off though!

3. Now you will see the white housing for the A/C controls secured by 4
screws. Remove the 4 screws (don't let 'em fall in the dash) and then
push the lefthand side of the housing back so that you can slide it to
the left. You may need to set your fan switch so that it is vertical to
get the most freedom of motion.

3. Now that you have the housing as far to the left as you can, pull the
righthand side of it out a bit. The wiring harnesses and cables will
prevent it from coming more than an inch or so out, but that's all you
need. Notice on the upper righthand side in back there is a small
microswitch with about half a dozen small wires running to it. It is held
in place from below by one tiny phillips-head screw about an inch long.
You can see the tip of it on the top of the housing...

5. Remove the tiny screw from the bottom of the switch, taking _extreme_
care not to let it fall into the stereo below. Put something down there
to catch it if you like, I folded a piece of paper into a pocket of sorts
and slid it in below (but I didn't drop it anyway :)

6. Move the switch to the top of the white housing, and screw it right
back into the same hole from above, making sure that the metal lever is
facing to the right or even a bit towards the front.

7. Replace the white control housing, making sure the switch isn't in a
position that vibration may cause the swich to engage.

8. Replace the dash trim (re-attach wiring harnesses for switches).

9. Reattach the lower dash panel under the steering column.

10. Enjoy complete control over your HVAC system!