Technical question about Climate control

[CDG]

I was ready through the technical detail of the SVX Climate control system and it states when the DEFR is on that the compressor is OFF.
I find this a bit off
As to properly defrost a windscreen, the compressor must be on to produce dry air.
As per http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Boone/4047.PDF
"DEF (Defrost) Mode (Temperature Set Between 65-85  F)
With defrost switch in on position, DEF switch LED and
temperature display should be on. Air temperature and airflow are
automatically controlled. Inlet air is fresh, and compressor is off. Outlet air should come from defrost vents "


Question1: Is this a typo?
see page 5. under BASIC CHECKS: DEF (defrost) mode in the above link.


Question2: If this is not an error, then:
Would it be posible to wire the DEF button to the compressor to enable the compressor, and therefore produce dry air, all without confusing the computer(Auto Amplifier)?

Question3: And has anyone else tried this?

This sounds like an error in the documentation. I always get conditioned air on defrost. In fact it works quite well. B.

[CDG]

Thank goodness,
This was bothering me when I read that.
BTW, thanks for having such great info in you locker.
I'm assuming most of the tech detail for the 96 is simular to the 92?

There were very few substancial changes thru the years, mostly just the tranny. The info is from the CD manual on ebay, It's OK but I wouldn't trust it as much as the FSM. B.

[CDG]

I've also been reading through the Trany doc, but if you say its different, I should remember that, thx.

Well the tranny is the same too but some improvements were made. http://www.drwtransmission.com/subaru_svx.htm Many '92s are running on upgraded rebuilds. B.

[lee]

Chris,

If you don't want to bite off the price of factory manuals, you might want to invest in a subscription to alldata - I think you can see it at www.alldata.com . last time I checked it was $25 a year. Anyway, they state the compressor should be on and it is on my 92. here's what alldata says on the Def mode.

[svxcess]

Chris,

In my (your) 92 pearlie, the A/C compressor is definitely engaged when the DEFROST button is pushed My windshield/side glass would not clear as rapidly as it does if this were not the case.

At idle I can definitely hear the compressor kick on and off when I switch between the DEF and VENT buttons.

See you in January, Chris...

[CDG]

Thanks John.
Have a good holiday season, see you and the Pearlie soon.

You should see your idle speed go up a 100rpm or so when pushing the Defrost. This is good, because not only does the compressor dry air, the seals stays better lubricated in the A/C system, thus keeping leaks from developing out of disuse in winter.