Air conditioning not working when cooler outside.

[smittybr]

Has anyone else had an issue with the AC not working when it's cooler outside? Normally it doesn't bother me too much when mine does this. However It started raining very hard while driving and my windows fogged up very bad and the defrost would not do anything since the compressor wouldn't engage. Luckily I was about a mile from the house and was wiping the windshield with my hand while inching towards the house. Any help would be appreciated guys .

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[airline tech]

The AC Clutch will not engage at temps below 32 Deg F.
So, I do not see that temp limitation in Brazil
The design of the Air Inlet door being so large, generates most of the window fogging issues, even I have noted the window fogs up - more often in the Ranger than any other vehicle I have owned.
(Ambient & Cab Temp - plus cool rain) hitting the glass - now moisture (humidity) is induced into the cab from the rain.
For me, I just select a slightly warmer temp and then select defrost - this keeps the windshield clear of fogging.

 

[RangerBill]

Has anyone else had an issue with the AC not working when it's cooler outside? Normally it doesn't bother me too much when mine does this. However It started raining very hard while driving and my windows fogged up very bad and the defrost would not do anything since the compressor wouldn't engage. Luckily I was about a mile from the house and was wiping the windshield with my hand while inching towards the house. Any help would be appreciated guys .

Using the defroster, set high fan speed, and use a high temperature setting.

 

[smittybr]

Right, the AC compressor just will not engage unless it's hot outside. It was like 78°F when this was going on. Definitely didn't want to use my heater . Maybe I just need a charge? But I didn't know if there was a different solution before going that route.

 

[smittybr]

Just some added random information. I don't see why this would be connected but I try not to ignore things coincidences. My engine is wanting to idle high and I also can smell a hint of diesel exhaust as well. It may very well have nothing to do with the AC issue, and it may have had something to do with driving in flooding conditions, I'm not sure. It just seems odd.

 

[Frenchy]

Like it or not sometimes you have to bring some heat in order to get the windshields defogged. I did this plenty even with my Ranger and my current Frontier.

For the air conditioner it should turn on regardless of the temperature. That said if you have the AC and recirculation mode, then there is no way the windshield would defog. Let it vent and fun some heat. If you have manual air, running close to center will do the trick. For Auto AC simply setting it to a temp like 70 or 75 will do the trick.

 

[Frenchy]

The AC Clutch will not engage at temps below 32 Deg F.
So, I do not see that temp limitation in Brazil
The design of the Air Inlet door being so large, generates most of the window fogging issues, even I have noted the window fogs up - more often in the Ranger than any other vehicle I have owned.
(Ambient & Cab Temp - plus cool rain) hitting the glass - now moisture (humidity) is induced into the cab from the rain.
For me, I just select a slightly warmer temp and then select defrost - this keeps the windshield clear of fogging.

Incorrect sir. With many vehicles on the market today(especially with modern vehicles) the AC will turn on with the heater even when it is below freezing. The AC is used to help dehumidify to help defog the windshield and windows. Next time it's freezing and the vehicle is warmed up, set the HVAC to max heat and step outside. Listen for the compressor as you will hear it engage and disengage.

 

[airline tech]

Incorrect sir. With many vehicles on the market today(especially with modern vehicles) the AC will turn on with the heater even when it is below freezing. The AC is used to help dehumidify to help defog the windshield and windows. Next time it's freezing and the vehicle is warmed up, set the HVAC to max heat and step outside. Listen for the compressor as you will hear it engage and disengage.

Negative: at least by the D&O


DEFROST

When DEFROST mode is selected:

• the recirculated air request button is disabled. The air inlet door opens, allowing only outside air into the passenger compartment.
• the air distribution doors operate simultaneously to direct airflow to the floor duct and the instrument panel registers. A small amount of airflow from the side window demisters and defrost duct is present.
• the A/C is turned on in defrost mode. The A/C compressor operates as long as the outside temperature is above approximately 32.0°F (°C).
• blended air temperature is available.
• the blower motor is on and the speed is adjustable.

MAX DEFROST

When MAX DEFROST mode is selected:

• the recirculated air request button is disabled. The air inlet door opens, allowing only outside air into the passenger compartment.
• the air distribution doors operate simultaneously to direct airflow to the floor duct and the instrument panel registers. A small amount of airflow from the side window demisters and defrost duct is present.
• the A/C is turned on in defrost mode. The A/C compressor operates as long as the outside temperature is above approximately 32.0°F (°C).
• the temperature is set to the highest setting and is not adjustable.
• the fan is set to the highest speed and is not adjustable.
• the heated rear window automatically turns on.

 

[Frenchy]

Negative: at least by the D&O


DEFROST

When DEFROST mode is selected:

• the recirculated air request button is disabled. The air inlet door opens, allowing only outside air into the passenger compartment.
• the air distribution doors operate simultaneously to direct airflow to the floor duct and the instrument panel registers. A small amount of airflow from the side window demisters and defrost duct is present.
• the A/C is turned on in defrost mode. The A/C compressor operates as long as the outside temperature is above approximately 32.0°F (°C).
• blended air temperature is available.
• the blower motor is on and the speed is adjustable.

MAX DEFROST

When MAX DEFROST mode is selected:

• the recirculated air request button is disabled. The air inlet door opens, allowing only outside air into the passenger compartment.
• the air distribution doors operate simultaneously to direct airflow to the floor duct and the instrument panel registers. A small amount of airflow from the side window demisters and defrost duct is present.
• the A/C is turned on in defrost mode. The A/C compressor operates as long as the outside temperature is above approximately 32.0°F (°C).
• the temperature is set to the highest setting and is not adjustable.
• the fan is set to the highest speed and is not adjustable.
• the heated rear window automatically turns on.

Again do the check when it is below Freezing. You will be amazed at how much it actually operates

 

[airline tech]

Again do the check when it is below Freezing. You will be amazed at how much it actually operates

I guess I need to do a hands-on test as I have never really paid attention to this detail of operation. So (prove or disprove) the manual - system operation

 

[Motorpsychology]

Like it or not sometimes you have to bring some heat in order to get the windshields defogged. I did this plenty even with my Ranger and my current Frontier.

For the air conditioner it should turn on regardless of the temperature. That said if you have the AC and recirculation mode, then there is no way the windshield would defog. Let it vent and fun some heat. If you have manual air, running close to center will do the trick. For Auto AC simply setting it to a temp like 70 or 75 will do the trick.

Right, the AC compressor just will not engage unless it's hot outside. It was like 78°F when this was going on. Definitely didn't want to use my heater . Maybe I just need a charge? But I didn't know if there was a different solution before going that route.

Make sure the system is not in Recirculation mode, crack the windows an inch/3cm and run the fan high in defrost.
That's how we used to do it when most cars didn't have AC.

You may have a faulty AC clutch or the system maybe low on refrigerant. The AC should work down to ~32ºF/0ºC. If there is a problem with the radiator fan, that can prevent the AC clutch from engaging.

The exhaust smell tells me that you have it set for Recirculation mode, which can let exhaust enter the cab.

 

[airline tech]

Again do the check when it is below Freezing. You will be amazed at how much it actually operates

Tested - And point goes to the Manuals (Being Correct)
and I come with proof as no matter what I selected (AC) or (Defrost/Max Defrost) the AC Button would not light up and the compressor clutch would not engage, so hooked up scanner and found this, note Ambient Temp = 17.6 Deg

 

[Frenchy]

Tested - And point goes to the Manuals (Being Correct)
and I come with proof as no matter what I selected (AC) or (Defrost/Max Defrost) the AC Button would not light up and the compressor clutch would not engage, so hooked up scanner and found this, note Ambient Temp = 17.6 Deg

Interesting........ This is a first as I have seen others including my 2012 Frontier operate the Compressor in freezing temps. I'm pretty sure my 2022 Transit does the same.

 

[smittybr]

Interesting........ This is a first as I have seen others including my 2012 Frontier operate the Compressor in freezing temps. I'm pretty sure my 2022 Transit does the same.

That's crazy, I thought most modern vehicles wouldn't allow the compressor to kick in at lower temps.

 

[smittybr]

Like it or not sometimes you have to bring some heat in order to get the windshields defogged. I did this plenty even with my Ranger and my current Frontier.

For the air conditioner it should turn on regardless of the temperature. That said if you have the AC and recirculation mode, then there is no way the windshield would defog. Let it vent and fun some heat. If you have manual air, running close to center will do the trick. For Auto AC simply setting it to a temp like 70 or 75 will do the trick.

That all works if the compressor is working.

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