Are you SURE it's the compressor kicking on/off?
The late model trucks, Troopers and Rodeos that have the 4L30 transmission will do a systems check when sitting idle, in gear. When the trans does the system check, it will cause the truck to lurch forward very slightly and yes, it feels just like the compressor kicking off.
If you stop at a light for 15-20 seconds, you'll feel the lurch.
If it is the compressor kicking on and off, you should feel it multiple times while sitting idle, in gear.
I did not know that, thanks for the information. I never noticed it occur. I'd love to be a fly in the wall at Isuzu and see what all that check does and what it does with the information.
I verified it was the A/C by to methods:
- Noise location (under hood)
- I don't have to wait 10-15 seconds, it happens within 5 seconds of turning the dial to defrost, and stops right after i turn it off defrost.
My most logical (though not guaranteed correct) thought is it's the A/C.
For me:
- Defogger = A/C on to help remove internal moisture.
- Defroster = A/C off to allow the air to be hotter and melt the frost/ice faster.
I can no longer control that.
As for heating up the front windows, some thoughts:
- Higher temp thermostat to raise coolant temp going into the heat exchanger
- Open up the heat exchanger and see if the coils are dirty/dusty on the outside
- Complete engine coolant flush with scale remover to make certain the coils inside the cabin heat exchanger aren't clogged up.
- Wire a cabin switch in for the A/C to defeat it from in the cab when you're defrosting.
For those of us without sweaty dogs in lower-humidity environments, a combo of heat and incoming fresh air usually does the trick. I'm just going to live with it now that I have understanding.
I want to stress again I'm not making a huge rant or refusing to buy an (actual) Isuzu vehicle again. It's just an unexpected surprise. Going with the "cars taking over" comment, add that "people are stupid and know to put in gas and that's about it." Isuzu most likely went with the crowd and assumed a light turning on and off without pushing the button would freak people out. I give them credit for maintaining the button, many USA cars did away with that years ago.