A/C Compressor Always On

[ImmortalA2]

I have a 1998 Ford Escort SE with 48,000 miles. Oddly, the a/c compressor clutch engages in all settings other than "off". So whenever I turn on the blower, whether it be for the heater, defogger, etc. the a/c compressor clutch engages. The a/c clutch is clearly not frozen, as it disengages whenever the dial is turned to "off". Needless to say, I would like to be able to operate my heater in the dead of winter without mixing in cold air from the a/c! Any thoughts regarding this problem would be greatly appreciated.

[buxter]

Have you played with the temperature control any? Turning it to the coldest will most likely engage the AC, turn it to hot during the summer and if the compressor is still on then you might have a problem and even then.

It is actually good for the AC system to be used during the winter otherwise you risk breaking and seizing the seals in the compressor, therefore costing you lots of money to repair. So the ac should be used at least twice a week no matter what the weather, during the winter it will not fog up your windows.

Hope that helps.