A/C Reprogramming?

[JPS48]

I've seen the goofy way Nissan has designed the ventilation system referred to previously in this forum but haven't seen anything specific as to whether it can be modified.

Currently, selecting either the 'floor/defrost' setting or the 'defrost' only setting engages the A/C without illuminating the A/C switch. You only discover it's on if you then switch to another setting at which point the light illuminates.

I happen to prefer the 'floor/defrost' setting most of the time but don't want the A/C running nor the mileage hit.

Does anyone know if there's a way to disable this from happening so that the only way the A/C is on is if I choose to turn it on?

And yes, I know all about the need to run the A/C occasionally and have done that religiously on any previous vehicle without the manufacturer assuming we can't think for ourselves.

[Promise Land]

A simple way to control the A/C compressor is to add a switch between you and the A/C compressor. You could add a simple toggle switch to the power wire of the A/C compressor which will allow you to stop power from kicking the compressor on/off.

[JPS48]

Hadn't thought of the secondary switch approach. I'd really like to be able to modify the original gear, something I hope can be done.

Wouldn't it be nice if it were as simple as changing the auto door lock function.

If there isn't an easy way, then I may pursue your suggestion, thanks.

[Codelicious]

Hadn't thought of the secondary switch approach. I'd really like to be able to modify the original gear, something I hope can be done.

Wouldn't it be nice if it were as simple as changing the auto door lock function.

If there isn't an easy way, then I may pursue your suggestion, thanks.

Canaan's suggestion would most likely be the easiest route to get what you want done..

Why do you want it to be off though?

[JPS48]

Cody,
While Canaan's suggestion is a good one, at this point we still don't know that it's the easiest, if in fact a simpler solution exists, like a simple program change, a fuse removal, or something else.

There may not be an alternative but until I've exhausted any or all alternatives, I'd like to avoid what is essentially an 'aftermarket' or add on solution.

As for why I'd like it to be off, I've already cited the major reason: GAS MILEAGE! This is something that is already especially poor with the Versa, especially when compared to another car in our family that is 15 years old with similar size and displacement and regularly gets 30% + better mileage.

But let me list just a few of the other reasons:

1) I don't need it to run all the time

2) It makes the heater output, which already isn't very strong, even weaker.

3) I'd like the choice to be mine, not Nissan's

4) To me it's completely illogical, an opinion shared with just about everyone I spoken to about it.

5) Unnecessary energy consumption.

6) The fact the Nissan chooses to hide this from its owners by not having the A/C light illuminate is outright subversive. At least I give them credit for detailing it in the user manual, but not offering any options is unacceptable.

There are numerous posts on this site as well as others on this topic relating to other Nissan vehicles, I hope there are similar solutions for the Versa.

[Codelicious]

I understand why you want it off now, was just curious about it.

I'm not sure about any other solutions, I hope that your able to find what you are looking for. If I come across any information I will definitely let you know.

[Promise Land]

Well, you basically want to control the A/C compressor power wire's function to turn it off and on. A switch is something you could manually turn off and on from sitting in the driver's seat and mount where you wanted it to. You could probably remove one of the fuses for the A/C system. I don't know if the best fuse will be under the dash or in the engine room. If you figure out the best way to do it with a fuse, let us know. I'm sure other members would be interested.

[loudmax20]

Every car that's equipped with A/C does this.
My mothers' Yaris does this, my sisters Chevy Aveo does this, my Nissan Versa does this, my 1991 Chevy Astro Van does this, my friends 1990 Ford Tempo does this, my dad's 1987 Toyota 4Runner does this.
Yet the Nissan people are the only one's I have ever heard of complaining about it. I like it because my switch lights up and allows me to turn in off, maybe they only did that on the 07/08's but when its on and the car is warmed up it I haven't noticed the heat output to be any cooler than it is when the a/c is off, plus when the a/c is on with Defrost it de-fogs the windscreen so much better than with it off.

[Shad0wXCalibur]

Every car that's equipped with A/C does this.
My mothers' Yaris does this, my sisters Chevy Aveo does this, my Nissan Versa does this, my 1991 Chevy Astro Van does this, my friends 1990 Ford Tempo does this, my dad's 1987 Toyota 4Runner does this.
Yet the Nissan people are the only one's I have ever heard of complaining about it. I like it because my switch lights up and allows me to turn in off, maybe they only did that on the 07/08's but when its on and the car is warmed up it I haven't noticed the heat output to be any cooler than it is when the a/c is off, plus when the a/c is on with Defrost it de-fogs the windscreen so much better than with it off.

I'm gonna have to agree and say that what the Versa does with the compressor is absolutely no surprise. The earlier models (like mine) actually made it easier where you were able to hit the A/C switch in defrost and the compressor actually would stay off. Most cars don't even do that. It's normally on in defrost no matter what and the a/c button may usually not even be lit to show you. Car manufacturers aren't trying to build some conspiracy to suck gas or whatever. As a matter of fact, I average 30 mpg with the A/C on ALL the time to always keep the cabin comfortable and dehumidified. They do this because it defrosts your windows faster and keeps them from fogging up and so the compressor stays lubricated. You may have problems with it being locked up if you were to go through an entire winter with the compressor NEVER turning on then tried to use it on some hot day.

Not trying to bust anyone's balls. There may be valid reasons why someone would not want it to come on but there are also valid reasons why it does and to criticize Nissan for it is stupid since just about every car does this. It's definitely not a Nissan thing.