AC Compressor on whenever fans on

[Alaskanredneck]

As the title says when ever the 96 X XLT is running and I turn the fan on, the AC compressor comes on. I know that it is supposed to come on when its in defrost, AC, or Max AC. But it comes on any time the fan is turned on. I noticed that it was happening when I first bought it but I was not getting any cold air when I turned it to AC, so I added freon. Now I have AC cold air when ever I have the fan on in any position. I do get good heat when I put it on heat so I don't think its a blend door issue but what do I know. It has the 3 dial set up not the electronic climate control head unit.
Anybody have any ideas?

 

[Alaskanredneck]

Anybody got any ideas ? I'm in Alaska I don't need it that cold in my X i just don't want it hot either lol

 

[budwich]

I think that you may be slightly "misguided" and have selected the "dual output" setting (ie. upper AND lower vent)... this will also cause AC.... only select either upper or lower vent and you will find your problem solved. Of course, this is found in your operator's guide IF you have one.

 

[Alaskanredneck]

I'm sure that my wife would agree with you that I am "misguided" but on this issue I am sure that I am not. The AC compressor comes on in ALL fan positions whether it is dual vent or single vent, as well as the DEF and AC positions in which it is supposed to come on. I do have the owners manual as well as the Haynes and Chiltons guide and I have read them both cover to cover and this is not a problem that any of them seem to cover.

 

[Alaskanredneck]

bump

 

[budwich]

ok... I didn't mean to be mean... except a lot of people don't seem to understand when the AC is activated in terms of selector position. Since you have "confirmed" that indeed the AC comes on when selecting the single vent position (either upper or lower but not both), then you have a problem... Odds are likely the selector switch has a problem with it "bleeding" voltage to the AC in all positions which it should NOT do for the upper / lower vent. You likely have to pull the control panel and check the switch with a meter along with visual inspection for any kind of loose / touching wires.

 

[Alaskanredneck]

That was going to be what I had planned next but i really did not want to. I was hopping someone on here would have had the same problem and it be easy like a fuse or something. I really didn't want to pull the front of the dash off. I will try to get to it this weekend but I may have to put it off til next but I will keep everyone updated. As for being mean as long as the truck gets fixed you can call me what ever you want lol.

 

[Alaskanredneck]

OK I pulled the heater control head unit and checked all connections and nothing looked loose or crossed. But I did see the heater control valve under the hood leaking pretty good explains why I was half a gallon low on coolant when I bought the X last week.

 

[budwich]

well... you did the "visual inspection"... good, now do the "meter inspection". Glad to see you found the "standard heater control valve leak".

 

[Alaskanredneck]

Is it possible that could cause the AC compressor to be on? I had to put everything back together as my wife was squawking at me, and I'm not really sure what to look for with my meter.

 

[budwich]

no I just thought I would suggest things for you to do.... and why would you think it isn't the cause. As for testing, its basically a switch albeit "ganged"... basically battery comes in one position and is switched to the selected position. Basically, you know that shouldn't happen (switching the voltage) to the upper or lower vent... the switch should be open.

SOOOOO.... you could do the testing OR just go and buy a new switch IF you have the money but not the time to do the testing and keep your fingers crossed.

 

[Alaskanredneck]

anyone know how much of a PITA it is to change the head unit if i choose to go that route

 

[Alaskanredneck]

anyone?