air conditioner operation in defrost/defog mode

[epic-ind]

Has anyone rewired their AC controls to eliminate the automatic activation during defrost/defog mode?

I own a 2002 and have recently become aware of some quirks with the AC operation. According to the manual... the AC will kick on [automatically!] if you turn the air flow control to the defog position in order to dehumidify the air. They claim the AC 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 [defog] position."

Well, I tried turning the fan to OFF and moving the air flow control to another position than [defog], but when I turned the fan back ON the AC kicked on again! I can't just draw in outside air WITHOUT having the AC run. The only way I get the system to "reset" is to shut the vehicle off and restart it. Manually "re-booting" your computer is one thing, but this is ridiculous!

The problem is, when it's humid outside, the AC causes condensation to build up on the outside of the windshield. Not much better than fogged up on the inside, is it?!

Why is Nissan trying to Big Brother my AC anyway? They put a separate AC button on the dash. Isn't that what I am supposed to use to turn the AC on...when I G.D. feel like it?

Having the AC on when I am just trying to draw in some outside air is wasting horsepower and effecting gas mileage.

I know this sounds like pure ranting (and some of it is) but if someone else has encountered this annoying "feature" I'd like to know what I can do about it.

Thanks.

[Schludwiller]

Originally Posted by epic-ind

Has anyone rewired their AC controls to eliminate the automatic activation during defrost/defog mode?


Thanks.

Yes, it's been done, and there is a write-up here in the forums. You'll have to search some though as I don't remember exactly where it's located.

[scottl101]

I have the same issue with the AC in my 05. Is this normal operation?

[Schludwiller]

Originally Posted by scottl101

I have the same issue with the AC in my 05. Is this normal operation?

unless they changed it in 2005, yes it is. The fastest way to defrost your windows is to turn the heat up and press the AC button.