I just realized yesterday that my A/C, on/off button does not necessarily control the compressor clutch.
With the A/C button off, and the slider on recirc. the compressor and cooling fans activate.
Slide the lever to 'all vents' and the compressor kicks off.
Push A/C button on, and compressor and fans start.
What is the obvious that I am missing?

 

That's the way it's supposed to work.

AC is on in recirc mode (far left) and in defrost mode (far right).

 

Thanks Randy. I'm properly embarrassed for not reading the manual until I got that. This explains why WOT always feels about 7HP lite. :>)

 

OK...you genius's You have "Climate Control" This means that in most cases, you need to leave the lower slider in the second from the left position below the rectanagle. Set the upper slider to the desired temperature you wish to maintain at a constant in the cabin. The car is smart! It will know what temperature to maintain and turn on heat or AC when needed with out the use of..uhm..YOU!

 

Actually the right most setting is the automatic Front Defogger (DEF) - I'd suggest if you need front defrost for an icy windshield that you not use this.

This Front Defog sets the vents to window, fan to max speed (regardlees of the **** position), AC to full(regardless of switch), heat valve to full heat (regardless of slider). The combo of full heat & full AC gives you maximum humidity removal which is the key to rapid interior defogging.

For external (ice) defrosting setting the controls manually to window vents (^), fan to max, heat to max (AC will be off - regardless in full heat mode) will defrost faster because the windshield will get warmer faster...

Alan