#132622, "RE: Car is eating thermostats like skittles" In response to In response to 11 Dec-09-10 10:32 PM by CODE4
Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G Actually the car will cycle the AC with the defrost on anyway to help control the humidity inside the cabin. I had been wondering for a while why my gas mileage kinda sucked when I ran the defroster compared to when I would just crack the sunroof and blast the heater on my feet. I finally let the car sit and idle with the defroster on and I watched the AC compressor kick on and off.
I cannot find the thread about this right now, but this has come up a while back. My 99, prior to having the heating and A/C gutted, would cycle the a/c compressor to dry the air when in the defrost or defrost + feet mode. There is a switch behind the vent position on mine. Even if the snowflake (2 position on mine) is in the "off" position, the green LED will remain off however the compressor will cycle. As mentioned, presumably to prevent overly humid air from being blown onto an already foggy windshield.
If I recall correctly, part of the discussion was the benefit this had as owners that did not use their A/C for 4 or 5 months straight would still benefit from the compressor oil being pumped through the system, lubricating the appropriate o-rings and seals. Keeping the A/C system in use regularly promoted system longevity and potential breakdown of internal seals.
The difference in 95 model years is something new to me however and may act differently.
