Compressor cycling even when A/C is off

[althund]

Anyone have any ideas why my compressor is constantly cycling? The A/C works fine, but you would think when it was 'off' the cluctch would disengage and free wheel....Is there a switch that could be faulty?

[aerocolorado]

In some systems, the A/C also works on the MIX and DEFROST settings. Check your selector setting and refer to the owners manual for explanation of which settings cycles the A/C. If this is not the case, then you could have a bad selector switch.

[mpriceman]

I had the same problem with my explorer- the dealer replaced the low pressure cycling switch and now it recycles less, but now i have a loud click from the clutch when it enagages- on my way back to the dealer.

[welbrock]

[tamarackstyle]

This is how it was told to me. the air compressor pumps are designed to cycle while on the defrost setting, and here is the reasoning. In the colder months you tend not to use the ac and are more likely to use the defrost. If you live in an area with any extended periods of cold weather this cycling prevents the compressor from freezing up (mechanically not temp. i.e. corrosion, lube, ect.)where normaly you would not be using it and it would just be sittig there all winter.