Air conditioning running in parked 1999 expedition

[Usa2elsewhere]

Is it okay to keep a 1999 expedition idling in a parking lot so the air conditioning can run as needed to keep occupants comfortable. Two people may need to wait in the car for a patient in a dental office. Dont know how long the procedure will take. Thanks for all answers.

[Stealthee]

Only thing you'll hurt is your gas tank level.

[Usa2elsewhere]

Stealthee, thank you for the reply. So far it's fallen on deaf ears of the driver. I will keep trying as I agree with you and accept any remote risk to the vehicle because running the ac in this case could be very important.

[brcidd]

Running it in "Park" is certainly better than in "Drive" which is what you would do in a massive traffic jam. RPMs would be faster. Also if it was zero degrees out you would not hesitate to run the engine while not moving. Desert testing involves 24 hours of idle on any new body style vehicle--so consider it a test.