A/C Clutch engaging even when off

[dhinch279]

I hopped in my 94 Ranger yesterday and fired her up, and noticed that even with the A/C off,
the clutch will engage every 10 seconds or so, run for a second or 2 then disengage.
Even if I turn it on it still does the same thing.
I just unplugged the wires that go to it and it stopped, but I want to figure out what is wrong.
I have looked in the Tech Library and searched the A/C forums and can't find any info.
Let me know if any of you have run into that problem before and what you did to fix it.
Thanks

 

[Rifleman]

I do believe it is supposed to kick on when the controls are set for any setting (except panel vents)

 

[dhinch279]

It never used to turn on before (unless I turned the switch on). it is kind of annoying driving it when it kicks on and off, because everytime it kicks on the engine lags a little bit just like it does when I turn the A/C on voluntarily

 

[dparkguy]

The A/C clutch will engage when the control lever is set to defrost. Any other setting and the clutch will not engage.

 

[manger]

i'm having a similar problem. I believe my AC coolant is low. I'm not sure why it clicks the compressor on even when the temp dial is turned to full heat.

 

[BlackBII]

If you have it set to defrost, that's why.

 

[4x4junkie]

'95up trucks the A/C runs in any setting except dash vents only, and one other (maybe bi-level I think). '94 & down it should only run in Defrost.

 

[atvkid4eva]

if it really bothers you that much i believe you can just unplug the connector on top of the compressor and replug it in when you need your A/C..

 

[tommytater]

A/C cmpressor clutch

I have a 96 Ranger and it does the same thing. REGARDLESS of what setting its on.A/C on or off.Defrost on or off. EVERYTHING off. The clutch engages for a few seconds then disengages. Another issue is when its on MAX A/C it switches to defrost vents for a minute then back to panel vents.Weird.
So driving it today there was a horrible noise and lots of motor drag. I think the clutch seized or the compressor did. I went out and checked the clutch and I cannot spin the clutch. I read on here that I should be able to spin it with the motor off and AC off. Nope.Hmmm...So do I get a new clutch and try that? Or do I get a new Compressor. But that means recharging the system and taking it to shop.
Questions? Comments?
Thanks
T

 

[Heavyfire14]

did you look at the date on the thread? haha might as well jus make a new thread bro.