AC Control

[brothapig]

I have a '96 Firebird, and also a '95 Grandprix. Is there any good reason that in the Firebird the A/C comes on with the defrosters instead of having a separate push button for it like the GP? First, I hate it in the morning when I turn on the defrosters to have cold air come out before the car is warm, and second I hate that I'm running a HP robbing compressor when I don't need/want it. I'm seriously considering running a separate switch to control the A/C. Don't know how easy that would be. Comments?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

I asked a friend mechanic about that to and the answer I got back was that it's a good idea to turn on the compressor at least once a month in the winter time to keep the seals lubricated otherwise they dry out and break. So the auto manufacturers make it so the compressor turn on when in defrost mode to make the compressor last longer.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

Also it dries out the air that can otherwise fog up the windshield.

[toddwirges]

A/c shuts off at WOT.

Both the other guys are right about periodic use and drying the air. Your defrost will suck without it.