A/C compressor turing on when snowflake not illuminated

[crispychris9]

Hello I have a 2005 Chevy Tahoe LT and the A/C compressor is turing on when snowflake is not illuminated, I do not have the defrost or anything on just feet by itself and I believe it also does it even if it is just on the face. Furthermore, this also happens when the heater is on just curious as to why it does come on, as to my understanding it should only run when the snowflake or defroster is being used. Thanks!!

 

[M1Gunner]

So basically your ac compressor clutch is engaging when you turn your blower on? Or does it automatically engage as soon as you turn the ignition on? Anymore details that you can share would be great.

 

[crispychris9]

So basically your ac compressor clutch is engaging when you turn your blower on? Or does it automatically engage as soon as you turn the ignition on? Anymore details that you can share would be great.

Yes the compressor engages whenever the blower is on, whether the snowflake or defrost is on or not. And I am not too sure if it engages when the ignition is on... How could I tell? Thanks again for your help!!

 

[kwOH]

If its not hurting anything your good.

 

[Miami-Dade]

Actually it is probably better the compressor is on..Your compressor will last a very long time.Since forever I have never shut off the a/c system in any vehicle..Have never replaced a compressor and never needed [so far knock on wood] any major a/c work.

In my neck of the woods with summer 12 months a year with jungle humidity the bulk of the time I just set it and forget it.

In the northeast when I am there in the cold I move the setting to the floor and upper vents [I believe it is called the BI-LEVEL position and the Hoe stays nice and comfy plus keeps the windows from fogging up.

Just IMHO..To each their own.

 

[M1Gunner]

A

Actually it is probably better the compressor is on..Your compressor will last a very long time.Since forever I have never shut off the a/c system in any vehicle..Have never replaced a compressor and never needed [so far knock on wood] any major a/c work.

In my neck of the woods with summer 12 months a year with jungle humidity the bulk of the time I just set it and forget it.

In the northeast when I am there in the cold I move the setting to the floor and upper vents [I believe it is called the BI-LEVEL position and the Hoe stays nice and comfy plus keeps the windows from fogging up.

Just IMHO..To each their own.

As long as there is no leak and the system keeps its oil AND the refridgerant to move it then absolutely!

 

[crispychris9]

Okay then, thanks everyone for your replies. Yeah I'm sure that everything is fine with the system because it does blow hot when I need heat and cold when I need the a/c, but was just curious as to why it does that. Anyways, I will just not worry about it

 

[W8TVI]

Okay then, thanks everyone for your replies. Yeah I'm sure that everything is fine with the system because it does blow hot when I need heat and cold when I need the a/c, but was just curious as to why it does that. Anyways, I will just not worry about it

My understanding is that they did this to help keep the parts that need lubrication, lubed.
It also helps keep the HVAC system blowing drier air, I understand. Handy for defogging windows.

 

[drowssap]

Is your HVAC setting on windshield or defrost?

 

[Larryjb]

The compressor runs under these conditions:
1:Snowflake height on for cooling (turned on by user).
2: defrost mode to dry the air for more efficient defrosting.
3: Recirculation mode tr dry the air. Recirculated air contains moisture from breathing etc.

Those are the only times I know of that the AC compressor runs.

 

[crispychris9]

Yeah none of those modes are on, and the compressor still runs. Oh well, I guess. Hopefully, as others mentioned it helps it last longer, that works for me

 

[UmmScott]

Hey chris. A couple years late but better late than never LOL..

Look closely at the climate module.
Some early models have the AC on with no snowflake and when u press the AC button the symbol is a snowflake with a Slash through it...indicating AC is requested off.

Sometime, they changed it and its backwards... so if you have no snowflake symbol then the AC is off and when u push the ac button, there is a solid snowflake symbol indicating you want the AC on.

Double check that. Also, the auto climate system likes to keep the compressor on majority of the time. If you request it off, it should be off unless you have recirc on, defrost, bi level, or even just floor. If you have it in any of those modes, it will come on. Cant turn it off. Its programmed that way.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[JonnyTahoe]

Yeah none of those modes are on, and the compressor still runs. Oh well, I guess. Hopefully, as others mentioned it helps it last longer, that works for me

I have one of the earlier models (2000) mine is like that too. A/C works great so I don't let it bother me. In the winter which can last five months I actually take my compressor belt off. I don't like the compressor cycling on and off all winter. Then I have no air the first time it gets hot outside which reminds me I have the belt off the compressor and I realize I should of just left it on like everyone else.

 

[swathdiver]

Hello I have a 2005 Chevy Tahoe LT and the A/C compressor is turing on when snowflake is not illuminated, I do not have the defrost or anything on just feet by itself and I believe it also does it even if it is just on the face. Furthermore, this also happens when the heater is on just curious as to why it does come on, as to my understanding it should only run when the snowflake or defroster is being used. Thanks!!

RECIRC setting causes the compressor to run as does AUTO, good to keep running as Gary said, acts as dehumidifier too.

For most of the year it is set to 66 and then in winter to 68. A handful of days we'll turn it off and open the windows and moonroof!

 

[rockola1971]

An a/c system IS a dehumidifier. All A/C systems are. An A/C system doesnt "make" cold air. It removes humidity which contains the heat and air with the heat removed is cold air.