So I heard from a friend that you're supposed to run the AC compressor in winter once a week or so, in order for the oil to circulate and lubricate the system for maintenance. Is this true, and if so what is the technique you guys use? Just stick to auto + set temp + toggle ac button so that it's AC on?

 

The A/C is always on/off (it works automatically) eventough heater is set on (by setting temp number higher than outside)

Unless you press the A/C button until the 'A/C OFF' displayed then the A/C is not working.

 

good question G

Yes its true that you need to run the ac at least 30 minutes a month during winter to keep the seals conditioned- thats part of what its oil does. Failure to do so will result in leaky orings and loss of pressure/function and eventual serious $$ damage if left that way

In order to run it automatically, most car makers tied the defroster to the ac so when you select defrost- you get ac air pushed at the windshield
That will remove moisture from the glass faster than heat will, and heater operation requires some coolant temp--so the ac is the best choice

If you live where you never use defrost- then turn it on ac manually or set temp to 65 and drive.
There is probably info on this in the owner book- if you dont have one go to the Garage section here, and click link for free online version

 

However, you can use your defroster without using the A/C if you wish. I do this frequently.

 

Only true when using the AUTO mode. If using the manual mode, you have to manually set the A/C on or off.

 

There are long stretches of time even in the summer that I don't use my AC, guess I better start turning it on sometimes.

 

Great information! I'm actually up in Toronto, Canada so I need to use my defroster very frequently in the winter. I guess this settles it. Thanks

 

I usually keep the A/C on at all times; even when using the heater. It removes moisture out of the air and keeps the windows from fogging.

 

Yes- the TL's A/C will come on when the defroster function is activated; you'll see the A/C symbol on the display when the defroster is used.

 

Good information.

 

Probably not a good idea to keep the a/c on ALL the time because it does make the engine have to work harder and use more gas.

 

I rarely use the A/C in the colder months, except for the times I want to exercise it, and my windows virtually never fog up during those months. As for moisture in the cabin air, I always use outside airflow so that isn't a problem either during the winter.

 

If you happen to be in and out of the car when you're covered in snow, the additional moisture content inside the car will have an effect on the inside of the glass, and the A/C will need to be activated, at least that's what I've experienced for many decades in the winter. Many years ago our Grand Cherokee lost an evap core in December, so I thought I'd wait until warmer weather to do the repair. Driving that Jeep was horrendous, even with the heater/defroster on max I couldn't keep the glass clear of moisture on the inside.

Yes, if you push the A/C off button, that's what you'll get, no compressor, that's why they have the windshield defroster symbol, push it and the A/C will activate.

 

Hardly... They did this on Myth Busters IIRC. The difference was negligible.

 

The TL's have auto climate control. Why would you use anything else but auto? Leave it on auto all the time and call it a day. Thats what I do.

James

 

AC on will make the windows defrost much faster

 

I'm sure that would happen, however when it snows, my TL stays put in my garage and my Ford Ranger gets used.

You don't need to push the Defrost button to use the defroster if you have Nav. From the manual mode, just say, "Climate control defrost" or as I tend to do, "Climate control floor and defrost". You will get air directed to your windshield without using the A/C.

 

Simple answer. Because you have the choice.

 

In most cases, this is true. However, in the cooler months, I virtually never use the "Defrost" button.. I use the manual defrost setting without A/C and it works fine.