Should the A/C temperature switch click into each notch or spin freely?
 

I was contemplating an A/C overhaul with the retroair system, but began playing around with the knobs in the center console in my 89'. I was wondering whether or not the temperature switch should click at each white mark (like the fan speed switch clicks at level 1 level 2 level 3) or should it spin freely between low and high?

Mine spins freely in my '86. -J

The thermostat (LH knob) does not click at each white hash mark. The marks on the bezel are just a reference point. However, many times you can feel or hear a light 'click' when you turn the switch completely off... CCW.
And, when the system is operating, if things are real quite in the cab you can hear the thermostat contacts make and break to turn the compressor on and off.

The fan speed switch (RH knob) does have 3 'clicks' forward from the 12 o'clock off position, from CCW to CW: off, 1, 2, 3 speeds

The Mr. Ice Project

The temperature control is simply acting against a "tension" spring thereby adusting the level of pressure required inside the capillary tube that it will take to close the electrical contacts and (re)start the compressor.

lol

AC Help

"Spring"/Bellows, Bellows will remain "springy" even when fully evacuated.

Be carefull, that link contains a few bits of incorrect info.

Thermostatic switch calibration setting, and sight glass use, examination, for instance.

lol, "you" can't adjust the "level of pressure inside the cap tube".

Sorry, but I don't remember at this moment just how the calibration screw "acts" on/against the spring/bellows but clearly, it does, CAN. My guess would be that there is some arrangment for "adjusting" the "latent" spring tension of the bellows.

Oh. Are you having a Senior Moment?

Ummm, aren't ALL of his moments "senior" moments?

Yes.

The end!

Oh, I finally got it..!!

Undoubtedly yet another senor moment.

YOU mis-read my statement. To clarify...

The screw allows one to adjust which/what level of pressure, (lack of, actually) inside the spring/bellows that will be required to open the switch.