Maverick handbook recommends turning A/C on monthly

[Desiree]

In the handbook I received with my 25 XLT Hybrid, it says on page 110 to turn on the air conditioner and let it run for 2 minutes every month to keep it fully functional. Is this what everyone does? I've never had to do this before in my other vehicles. Even in winter, am I supposed to turn the Maverick on in my garage with the A/C on for 2 minutes? It's the 2nd note in the picture.

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[B2000]

I think that has been recommended for years to keep the seals and compressor lubricated since the refrigerant has oil mixed in. Can't say I have ever done it purposely but if you run the defroster it is probably kicking on.

 

[Dukeallen]

I've heard this for decades, I've never done it. No a/c problems for all that.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Defrost mode does run the compressor, to help dehumidify the air - at least if the OD temp is above a certain level. Vehicles have had this function for decades. In the Maverick, the compressor may come on whenever the computer thinks the cabin needs to be dehumidified, even if you're just running the vents to bring in fresh air.

It's been recommended for most vehicles for many many years, to prevent refrigerant leaks.

I've always run the A/C and/or defrost mode quite a bit in my vehicles. My last truck (f-150) was 22 years old when I sold it. The A/C still ran perfectly and never needed any service - not even refrigerant addition.

 

[Waterick]

I'm guessing this is old publication standard from the days when the A/C system did not see any use in winter. Nowadays, anytime you select the defrost mode on vehicles (Maverick included) or if the humidity gets too high, the A/C compressor will operate to lower humidity in the vehicle. This helps to keep the seals and components in the HVAC system lubricated and operational as well as defogging/defrosting windows.

 

[Silver23]

I'm guessing this is old publication standard from the days when the A/C system did not see any use in winter. Nowadays, anytime you select the defrost mode on vehicles (Maverick included) or if the humidity gets too high, the A/C compressor will operate to lower humidity in the vehicle. This helps to keep the seals and components in the HVAC system lubricated and operational as well as defogging/defrosting windows.

could be, the only thing I can think of as why they would tell us this is if we let the vehicle sit.
Once a month seams pretty extreme just for the AC, but not at all for the truck itself.

 

[elixir20]

The only time my HVAC is "Off" is when approaching a smushed skunk in the road.

 

[Master Blaster]

The A/C system on almost all vehicles is not a closed system like your house a/c system. The motor in a house system is inside the coolant system, so no external interface is required other than power wires. The motor in a vehicle system is on the outside of the coolant system, and transfers power through a shaft into the pump with a typically carbon seal. A small amount of the lubricant flowing in the a/c cooling loop is used to coat and seal the carbon seal, preventing freon from escaping. However, freon can escape through a dry seal, which is why it is recommended that the a/c system be operated monthly and re-lubricate the carbon seal and stop it from drying out and causing loss of freon.
FYI, I'm not sure about the hybrid a/c system, since it is electrically powered and therefore could be a sealed system like your house.

 

[Snowbird]

Thanks for posting this as a reminder for me. Weather it is needed to do or not, I figure it can't hurt.

 

[Tim d]

In the handbook I received with my 25 XLT Hybrid, it says on page 110 to turn on the air conditioner and let it run for 2 minutes every month to keep it fully functional. Is this what everyone does? I've never had to do this before in my other vehicles. Even in winter, am I supposed to turn the Maverick on in my garage with the A/C on for 2 minutes? It's the 2nd note in the picture.

I have used the air conditioning about once or twice a year on my 15 year old ram and it still works fine. Maybe something has changed with modern air conditioning?

 

[CajunMick]

The only concern I believe is ”acids“ in the refrigerant gas. Turning in a AC system in timely manner keeps it from pooling/settling on metallic surfaces, reduces corrosion effect. Refrigerant oil is pretty unique, slick stuff. Gets on a surface, pretty much stays there.

I’ve replaced few automotive AC compressor’s carbon seals. Seals replaced due to carbon cracking because of unforeseen activity by a refrigeration system. IMHO, not due to lack of lubrication. These seals are spring loaded carbon on a smooth metallic surface, and sometimes they go “pop”, lose refrigerant gas.

Of course, turning in a AC frequently has merits, be it lubrication or other issues.

 

[Whitty1]

In the handbook I received with my 25 XLT Hybrid, it says on page 110 to turn on the air conditioner and let it run for 2 minutes every month to keep it fully functional. Is this what everyone does? I've never had to do this before in my other vehicles. Even in winter, am I supposed to turn the Maverick on in my garage with the A/C on for 2 minutes? It's the 2nd note in the picture.

I thought most modern vehicles ran the AC with the defrost. They are trying to protect the seals to keep them from leaking., though I don't see that as an issue with electric AC. That is mostly for ACs driven off drive pulleys.

 

[RideSolo]

As I see it how's it gunna hurt? If the book says to do it then, if you think of it, do it. The thing probably won't die on you if you don't, but if it dies w/in the warranty time you can at least answer honestly if the Ford Service guys ask about it.

 

[Cherokee]

Back In the day In the Florida heat we would change out the dryer and vacuum and recharge every three to four years.
But with these newer freon types I think the practice fell by the way side.

I think I will stir my oxygen tanks monthly, can't hurt. :'P

 

[TomD]

In the handbook I received with my 25 XLT Hybrid, it says on page 110 to turn on the air conditioner and let it run for 2 minutes every month to keep it fully functional. Is this what everyone does? I've never had to do this before in my other vehicles. Even in winter, am I supposed to turn the Maverick on in my garage with the A/C on for 2 minutes? It's the 2nd note in the picture.

I actually keep the ac on. It prevents the windows from fogging up. If you set the temp you want and then put the controller to ac max the air will recirculate instead of heating outside air. It works pretty well for me. I have done this for years and so far I haven’t worn out any compressors

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