Heater / Air conditioner

[tlcs2k]

This winter I noticed that when I turn my heater to the defrost setting the air conditioner come on and I can not turn it off unless I take it back off the defrost setting. Is that normal or should I take it to the shop for repair?
Terry

[Wanderer]

It's normal for the A/C to operate this way, but I found this somewhere and changed mine to allow me to select the A/C off if I want it that way. (The A/C still turns itself on automatically, but I can deselect it as desired.)

I do not know if this works on an AP2 or not, but it worked on my AP1 2002.

To deactivate automatic a/c feature on a 2002+ S2000:

1) Turn the ignition switch "on," but dont start the car.
2) Turn fan speed off.
3) Turn temperature knob all the way to the left (blue area).
4) Turn vent knob to all the way to the left (panel position).
5) Turn the ignitions switch "off."
6) Hold down both air recirculation button and a/c button while turning the ignition switch "on." Nothing lights up initially, keep waiting. The orange air recirculation indicator on the button will start flashing.
7) Continue holding both buttons until the orange air recirculation indicator stops flashing, then let go.

[repiv]

The A/C normally comes on when you select the windshield defrost mode on most modern day cars. The A/C acts as a dehumidifier. Some cars, you can turn it off, some you can't.

[takeshi]

It's normal for the A/C to operate this way, but I found this somewhere and changed mine to allow me to select the A/C off if I want it that way.
I'll have to try this. While my condenser was dead I was leery of using the defrost/defog setting as I couldn't disable the AC. I know on some cars the refrigerant acts as lubricant for the compressor and I didn't want to risk killing the compressor as well.

In humid areas (like Houston) you really need the AC frequently to defog. Driving in the rain is almost intolerable without it.

[s2k 4 me]

It works on an AP2 also.........I did it once, but if your battery ever dies or you disconnect one of the terminals, you need to do it again. Which I do.

[equinoxiq]

If i recall correctly, the manual says you should run the a/c every now and then even in the winter. So maybe you should rethink if you want to turn off the automatic a/c switch for the defogger. It's an easy way to make sure that happens without ever having to purposefully do it during a time when it's not hot. Can anybody confirm this? i'm pretty sure but it's been a while

[repiv]

If i recall correctly, the manual says you should run the a/c every now and then even in the winter. So maybe you should rethink if you want to turn off the automatic a/c switch for the defogger. It's an easy way to make sure that happens without ever having to purposefully do it during a time when it's not hot. Can anybody confirm this? i'm pretty sure but it's been a while

I don't know if the manual states it, but it's a good idea. Running the A/C in winter every month or so will keep the seals in the compressor in good shape.

[JonBoy]

I just did it on my AP2 at lunch time, so this process definitely works.

[equinoxiq]

Ah i found it! Copied from the Maintenance Chapter, Air Conditioner System section:

Run the air conditioning at least once a week during the cold weather months. Run it for at least ten minutes while you are driving at a steady speed with the engine at normal operating temperature. This circulates the lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant.

[tlcs2k]

Thanks guy's you can find any answer here.I thought there was some thing wrong now I know it is normal.

Terry