A/C on even when the LED Is OFF?

[KrS]

So I was driving into work today and noticed that all of a sudden the air felt like the AC was on, like it was COLD. i had the HVAC set for face, first knotch of fan, NO recirc, NO ac, and temp set to LOW.

I did notice this happen as well on a 2020 Escape i had for a short time. I'm not convinced the system should be doing this when AUTO or AC is not selected.

Has anyone else noticed this? Thoughts?

Sponsored

 

[jerrisn]

So I was driving into work today and noticed that all of a sudden the air felt like the AC was on, like it was COLD. i had the HVAC set for face, first knotch of fan, NO recirc, NO ac, and temp set to LOW.

I did notice this happen as well on a 2020 Escape i had for a short time. I'm not convinced the system should be doing this when AUTO or AC is not selected.

Has anyone else noticed this? Thoughts?

I've noticed the exact same issue with my 2023 Hybrid XLT. When I turn the A/C off and only have the fan on, it sometimes starts blowing cold air again even though the A/C LED is off. This could be by design, perhaps to manage humidity or something else, but it definitely happens to me as well.

 

[Gray Goose]

On most late model vehicles, defrost mode will run the AC to remove humidity for more effective defrosting. So anytime the vent direction points to the windshield, the AC will run.
https://www.cars.com/articles/how-does-a-car-defroster-work-437630/

 

[AVC]

According to service info, Tte A/C compressor will also run when the Lithium battery pack needs additional cooling; i.e. when ambient air flow is insufficient to cool the pack.

 

[Bilbo_B]

So I was driving into work today and noticed that all of a sudden the air felt like the AC was on, like it was COLD. i had the HVAC set for face, first knotch of fan, NO recirc, NO ac, and temp set to LOW.

I did notice this happen as well on a 2020 Escape i had for a short time. I'm not convinced the system should be doing this when AUTO or AC is not selected.

Has anyone else noticed this? Thoughts?

Hmmm. My Mav does this now, and my former 2017 Escape used to do some pretty strange things. It was possessed by the Viking god Loki. The HVAC system and the entertainment system would pick random settings when I restart the car. AC on high, changed to Auto setting. Just about anything that it decided to change just to get my attention. Now, just two days ago, I turned on my phone and it was set to B&W screen. I had to look up how to change that setting but I'm convinced that my Android Auto AI person did that. This is why I think that Ford has secretly added a new level of trim called the Banshee package.

 

[KrS]

Yep I can agree with Goose and AVC on those points, but I'm using face vents and I have an Ecoboost. (added info, sorry I should have said that in the original post)

 

[Dignam]

Mine has done that a couple times as well. My best guess is it's trying to manage humidity.

 

[Gray Goose]

Yep I can agree with Goose and AVC on those points, but I'm using face vents and I have an Ecoboost. (added info, sorry I should have said that in the original post)

Another thread on the same topic. As will all computers, a commonplace bug is a feature
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/ac-off-but-on.32389/

 

[dldjtad]

I’ve experienced the same thing, but wasn’t sure if it was my imagination or not.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

So I was driving into work today and noticed that all of a sudden the air felt like the AC was on, like it was COLD. i had the HVAC set for face, first knotch of fan, NO recirc, NO ac, and temp set to LOW.

I did notice this happen as well on a 2020 Escape i had for a short time. I'm not convinced the system should be doing this when AUTO or AC is not selected.

Has anyone else noticed this? Thoughts?

Setting to LOW OR HIGH turns on AC and ice runs much more to heat or cool. I doubt you have it on LOW or it would freeze you out. If you have it on a low temp setting it will read a digital number if it's on "LOW" it will show "LOW". in any case the the fan will run with everything off with very low speed and air directed through feet vent so the humidistat can measure humidity. When the humidistat detects humidity level approaching DEW POINT it will turn on the AC to dehumidify the cabin air and blow through the windshield vents to prevent fogging.
Edit to add:
I just checked my humidity in Burnet county Texas. Humidity is 73.5% and dew point is 68. So if I had my AC set to 68°F mine could come on, particularly if I was doing something that could increase the 73.5%.
Edit to add:
I doubt the main reason for the humidity control is passenger comfort but to cut down on fogging of glass and reduce chance of condensate forming on electrical boards, etc.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

I spend a helluva lotta time trying to turn on or off things on this truck that the computer thinks I need to have functioning or not. Or notify me about stupid shit like the fact my seatbelt is buckled. Then I have to hit a button to dismiss the distracting warning. It certainly takes away from the enjoyment of driving this truck.

It would be a lot easier to operate this truck and a lot less distracting if it would just let me operate the controls.

 

[Octantis]

My hybrid does the same. I think it is related to what user AVC said about it being related to keeping the battery pack cool. It only happens to me during the summer and during times of decent charging or discharging e.g. going up or down a decent hill.

 

[HeyBales]

According to service info, Tte A/C compressor will also run when the Lithium battery pack needs additional cooling; i.e. when ambient air flow is insufficient to cool the pack.

Considering the HVB is under the truck with no cabin air flow to it, and has coolant lines for the purpose of heating or cooling - wondering how cabin cooling will do anything for it?
Besides the fact the OP has no hybrid.

What is the service info that mentions that?
Thanks

 

[commadorebob]

You turn it off in July?

 

[HeyBales]

Setting to LOW OR HIGH turns on AC and ice runs much more to heat or cool. I doubt you have it on LOW or it would freeze you out. If you have it on a low temp setting it will read a digital number if it's on "LOW" it will show "LOW". in any case the the fan will run with everything off with very low speed and air directed through feet vent so the humidistat can measure humidity. When the humidistat detects humidity level approaching DEW POINT it will turn on the AC to dehumidify the cabin air and blow through the windshield vents to prevent fogging.

For those wanting to find this - manual under Climate Control - Climate Control Hints.

Ahhhh - that's where it mentions vent to rear seat, was looking for that reference...

Sponsored