Front Windshield Defroster Killin' HP?
11-05-2003, 02:21 PM
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 158
Car Info: 2003 WRX
Front Windshield Defroster Killin' HP?
I just bought my '03 WRX brand new in January of '03 (it only has about 9,000 miles on it) and it is still fully stock. For some reason when I use the front windshield defroster it seems to take away some power even without the air conditioning on. Also, it doesn't happen when I have anything else but the defroster on (like the leg or torso warmers). Anyone else having this problem? A simple email with a yes or no would be awesome just for the piece of mind (sbwrx5@yahoo.com). Thanks a lot people!!
11-05-2003, 10:34 PM
#2
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I Think . . .
Well,
If I'm remembering my owner's manual correctly, the air conditioner is always activated when you use the front defroster. I believe the air conditioner helps dehumidify the air, aiding the defroster, but it's really annoying after a minute or two when the windshield starts to ice up at the bottom.
Again, if I'm remembering correctly, there are instructions for bypassing this "feature" on scoobymods.
Hope this helps.
If I'm remembering my owner's manual correctly, the air conditioner is always activated when you use the front defroster. I believe the air conditioner helps dehumidify the air, aiding the defroster, but it's really annoying after a minute or two when the windshield starts to ice up at the bottom.
Again, if I'm remembering correctly, there are instructions for bypassing this "feature" on scoobymods.
Hope this helps.
11-06-2003, 07:12 AM
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 570
Car Info: 2010 370z Roadster, 2008 Frontier CrewCab
I believe if you use the mixed defroster mode (defroster vent AND floor), the compressor doesn't turn on. Try this and check for the green light to see what I mean.
11-06-2003, 07:28 AM
#7
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,646
Car Info: 02 WRX WRB
You'll find info on doing this mod here-
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=148118
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=148118
11-06-2003, 10:57 AM
#8
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: So. Ca., CA USA
Posts: 261
Car Info: 03 WRX / 08 Forester
Originally posted by SBwrx5
But I'm also not sure if the green AC light ever turns on unless I have the AC on.
But I'm also not sure if the green AC light ever turns on unless I have the AC on.
- Kean
11-09-2003, 10:30 PM
#9
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Why would you want to disable the compressor when you're defrosting? Seems to me that's the quickest way to clear things up.
I know that when the A/C is on, the compressor will turn off under heavy load, and I *think* the same is true when the defrost is going.
So floor it. Problem solved.
I know that when the A/C is on, the compressor will turn off under heavy load, and I *think* the same is true when the defrost is going.
So floor it. Problem solved.
11-10-2003, 04:58 AM
#10
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,646
Car Info: 02 WRX WRB
There are times when just airflow to the windshield will clear it without the compressor, and times where the compressor may be needed. Doing the mod to separate the A/C from the defrost mode leaves the choice up to the driver.
Not all cars do this automatically, my previous one didn't and I was used to being able to control the A/C at all times including in defrost, so I did this mod.
Not all cars do this automatically, my previous one didn't and I was used to being able to control the A/C at all times including in defrost, so I did this mod.
11-12-2003, 11:19 AM
#11
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Follow the instructions on ScoobyMods (WRX->Interior->a/c compressor). The only thing I did differently was I removed the switch (one tiny screw) to unsolder the wire, then screwed the switch back. I just could not get my soldering iron in there with the switch still attached.
There is no need to actually remove anything except the radio and the center panel fascia. BTW: I had a big problem with that because the power cord and radio harness were all twisted up and I couldn't slide the unit out. I had to reach in back with some pliers and a screwdriver to pry the plugs out before I could remove the radio.
There is no need to actually remove anything except the radio and the center panel fascia. BTW: I had a big problem with that because the power cord and radio harness were all twisted up and I couldn't slide the unit out. I had to reach in back with some pliers and a screwdriver to pry the plugs out before I could remove the radio.
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