Air Condition always running?

My 98 doesn't do that.

The A/C is only one when I engage it with the button or am using either of the defrost settings.

 

Yea since day 1

Yea... That's what I have to do.

 

Ahh. +1 for you sir.

 

The A/C compressor will cycle anytime the fan switch is in any setting except "off". You can hear the compressor kick in and the engine will load up in response. It doesn't matter what the outside temp is. If the fan is on, the compressor will run no regardless of the A/C switch being off.

 

The AC compressor will operate only if the system is set to AC or to Defrost.
If it is cold outside, pressures could run outside of design limits and the compressor will shut down to prevent the system from freezing, but it will cycle as pressure normalizes.

 

On my 04 I had the same issue, all you need to do is push the little button for the ac that shows the air recycling thru the car and it closes all the vents. The ac dosnt need to be on for this to work.

 

I agree with Rich here. The compressor will only operate in AC or Defrost modes.

As for the OP, others have mentioned all the good points. EVERY vehicle has a small percentage of fresh air allowed in, even when on recirculate mode. This allows fresh air into the car. This amount is different by manufacturer, but is usually around 5-10% fresh air at all times. Why would they do this? Believe it or not, for safety concerns. If your HVAC system were to fail, it will try to put the mode doors into default, which is defrost. Even if it can't go into defrost, a small percentage of fresh air, even if it were cold, would help in trying to keep the windshield clear, which is of course a safety concern.

 

Ok, let me see if I have this straight. With the A/C push button switch "OFF", outside air temp can be below freezing, if the "RECIRC" switch is "ON" OR if the selector is in a "DEFROST" position, the air conditioner compressor CAN or WILL cycle?

 

Yes, it can cycle. The AC is used to help dry the air before it warms it. This causes lower humidity inside the vehicle. Also the dry air is the only proper way to clear off a fogged up windshield.

 

it's because recirculate is off. it's let's
letting outside air into the cabin because air is being forced in by sheer speed. the faster you go to more air will be crammed into the intake vents regardless of fan speed. turn your recirculate on and it SHOULD redirect the incoming air. this is how I deal with it on my 2000 although it's a mechanical system rather then electrical

 

Yup.

And if it is slightly humid, you'll discover quickly why it is not recommended to use "recirc" when the AC compressor is not running.

 

Also safety for passengers.

When my dad bought his Vega, one of the features was referred to as "flow through ventilation"... it was simply the addition of vents on the rear of the doors outside of the weather stripping, coupled with the blower running on low speed any time the engine was running.

Supposedly this was added because occupants of well-sealed vehicles had been killed due to exhaust gas leakage into the cabin.

 

I had thought about that point, but failed to mention it. You are quite correct there Rich!