AC Compressor Running When Heat is on?

[97BlackX5.0]

I have noticed on my 97 XLT when i start it up...even though its -3 outside and the heat is on that the a\c compressor will cycle on and off no matter what the controls are set on besides off. Is this normal? I mean i can see no reason for it to be on. I'm pretty sure it will still cycle on and off while im going down the road too which kills mileage if your not using it for cold air. I also have the blend door problem and it is stuck in the heat position which is good for winter.... i plan on fixing it come summer time. this should not have an affect on the compressor though.... can anyone answer this for me...

 

[Alec]

The compressor will cycle in every mode other than full-off. This is perfectly normal.

 

[RiverRat]

If you have manual a/c then your a/c compressor will come on in the a/c, max a/c, bi-level, and defrost. It will not come on the panel setting. You can wire a switch to overide the compressor if you want.

 

[burnin_up]

Originally posted by RiverRat
If you have manual a/c then your a/c compressor will come on in the a/c, max a/c, bi-level, and defrost. It will not come on the panel setting.

true, for a good reason. it de-humidifies the air, helps with not letting your windows fog up

 

[Strike12]

Your compressor should only come on when set to a/c , defrost or defrost/panel .If you have auto climate control then it may cycle at any given time.

 

[Crankcase]

"FLOOR" setting definitley turns it off......

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

In my rig, the auto temp control engages the AC compressor whenever it's running other than the "Vent" mode.

 

[poconosms1]

You want it to cycle on/off all winter long. Besides the dehumidifer part. The coolents contain lubricants for the seals and compressor. In the old days with the old cars 80's and back, you were supposed to run the airconditioner every few weeks all winter long to keep the seals lubricated or else you would be replacing the o rings after the first heat wave.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by Crankcase
"FLOOR" setting definitley turns it off......

Not in '97. The compressor still should't be cycling though since it is not supposed to operate in temperatures below 50°F. Maybe the relay is clicking onand off, but the compressor isn't actually engaging?

From my '97 Owner's guide:

 

[Crankcase]

Originally posted by Robert
Not in '97. The compressor still should't be cycling though since it is not supposed to operate in temperatures below 50°F. Maybe the relay is clicking onand off, but the compressor isn't actually engaging?

From my '97 Owner's guide:

Ok, so I am not up to speed on the new technology...