compressor on with heat/defog?

[Farrar]

Hi, gang!

As it comes from the factory, the DeLorean's HVAC system only engages the compressor when in "Max," "Bi-Level," and "Norm" modes. It's extremely humid in New Orleans pretty much all the time, so I'm wondering if I could simply combine the compressor "send" with the fan switch "send" from the mode switch. This would engage the compressor any time the HVAC is on.

I know there's a way of modifying the mode switch itself to turn the compressor on with defog, but I'm pretty sure I'd break it in the process -- my hands aren't that steady. Besides, I also want it on with "heat." I also know such a modification as I am thinking about would mean that the compressor would be engaged when "Vent" mode is activated, but I don't use "Vent." In my climate, having the compressor engaged when "Heat" and "Defog" are on would be immensely helpful -- it works in my daily driver, where there's a "snowflake" switch to engage the compressor regardless of mode (a function I wish I could build in to the D, but I can't find a switch small enough, and I don't want to drill through the HVAC faceplate/radio bracket).

So here's my question: Would combining the compressor send and the fan switch send put too much of a load on anything? Would I need to use a diode? If so, where would I install the diode?

Thanks in advance for answering my silly question! :)

[DMCMW Dave]

Hi, gang!

As it comes from the factory, the DeLorean's HVAC system only engages the compressor when in "Max," "Bi-Level," and "Norm" modes.-----
So here's my question: Would combining the compressor send and the fan switch send put too much of a load on anything? Would I need to use a diode? If so, where would I install the diode?

Thanks in advance for answering my silly question! :)

Not silly. I would not put a diode anywhere - if you want the compressor on in all modes, just jump the light green to the pink/orange at the mode switch. The compressor will now run in anything other than in "off" mode.

I actually like the snowflake switch idea, I've been wanting to look into that for years but never found the time. Electrically very simple, it's the appearance side that would be the issue.

[Farrar]

Thanks, Dave!


I actually like the snowflake switch idea, I've been wanting to look into that for years but never found the time. Electrically very simple, it's the appearance side that would be the issue.

Yes, I really wanted to implement it, but I can't find a switch to suit my taste. And the thought of drilling through the HVAC panel and radio bracket makes me cringe...

[Bitsyncmaster]

Thanks, Dave!



Yes, I really wanted to implement it, but I can't find a switch to suit my taste. And the thought of drilling through the HVAC panel and radio bracket makes me cringe...

You could probably use a micro switch on the defrost servo. I was also thinking of doing a micro switch on the heater lever. Then I could put a servo to shut of the heater valve.

[Farrar]

Here is my solution. :)

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