Hi all. I know with most cars the A/C Compressor only runs when the A/C is on or when you run the defrost. With my Dakota, the compressor runs no matter what air setting I have it on ie: cold, hot, out of the dash, on the feet, defrost. Usually I wouldn't mind if I was driving a 4 banger that gets great gas mileage, but unfortunately I got the 4.7 that, as we all know, sucks on gas mileage regardless if you have the compressor running or not. Is there anything I can do to get that to stop running all the time when I have the air on? Thanks!

 

You could: a) remove the A/C compressor clutch relay (located in a black box in the engine compartment) or b) unplug the electrical connector for the compressor (located kinda near the compressor).
Don't know what would cause the compressor to run in a non-AC selected, non-defrost vent setting, but, do one of the above, and that compressor won't run.

 

So would that be bad to do...like it wouldnt have any negative effects right?

 

Won't have any bad side effects.
Of course, you will want to keep a reminder for yourself that you disconnected it, so next summer, you don't forget and think its broke.

 

Thanks for the info, Dodge! I'll probably pull out the relay so no crap gets into the connector.

 

Well, I pulled the relay, but the engine still kicks up about 200-300 RPMs when I turn the air on. I guess I will try pulling the connector too and see if that works at all.