Hello there, I need some help.

I have a 98 Dodge 1500 5.9L.

This summer my a/c clutch started going out and I opted to go with a shorter belt to skip the compressor. I disconnected the A/C compressor electrical lines.

I did all this because I didn't have time to fix it as I had to deploy to Iraq. I plan to replace the compressor when I get back.

Now that its super cold in Colorado, my wife needs the truck and I am stuck here in Iraq. Can she use the defroster without worry?

Thanks for the help!

Mark

 

Defroster has nothing to do with the A/C compressor.

 

Defrost actually does have something to do with the A/C in some cases.. The defroster will kick on the A/C compressor to take the moisture out of the air. You should be able to hit the button however, and the electric current to heat the mirrors, windshield, etc will still work..

 

My point is that the defroster circuit will still work regardless of whether the compressor is connected or not. Depending on the cause of the window fogging up (outside temp, humidity, etc), it may or may not defrost, but it will still be functional.

 

Yes. Exactly. The defroster button will run electricity through your glass mesh, and will also (try) to engage the A/C. If you have unplugged your compressor it should not cause any harm. You just won't get the full effect. And yes, it's flippin cold in CO right now. -16 at the moment.. and there's about two feet of snow all around.. My windows were frozen shut yesterday in my ram.. Damnit..

 

Thanks guys, that gives me some piece of mind. BTW, the temp is pretty nice here in Iraq now...

 

were you talking about the electrical wire heater/defrosters or the defroster setting on the heater for the windshield?....ones heater related and the other is electrical....I wasnt aware that the dehumidifing feature of the ac could even work with the heater being on...
if It true it gives me another reason to fix my ac..

 

Nope, I meant the wires to the A/C compressor. I just unhooked them to get it to stop from turning. I put a shorter serp belt on and cut out the a/c compressor as per the diagram for a truck w/o A/C. The belt in all the parts books at the stores is the wrong part #. I can't remember if its just shorter or longer, I have the part number under the seat, but I am away from the truck.

Mark

 

The A/C compressor will run when you have the defrost on in the winter so the compressor doesnt lock up.

 

Actually, that's not true. Whether the A/C compressor is on in defrost has everything to do with where the temperature selector **** is set. Most people use heat to defog the windshield. The defroster setting merely switches the airflow from dash or floor to the window vents. If the temp **** is turned to the blue then the A/C will kick in.