In cooler weather, the AC is cycled whenever air is blowing on glass to
dehumidify the air and reduce fogging. As another poster mentioned, it also
excersizes the compressor and keeps the oil circulating in the system and
parts lubricated.


"Don-Don" > wrote in message
...
>I have a 98 Explorer that has a Air Conditioning issue. The clutch
> seems to go on and off every few seconds while idling. I have worked
> around the issue in the winter time by turning the selector to the
> VENT position instead of the other heating options. I can understand
> the clutch engaging to perfectly adjust the temperature in the car,
> but when it is 30 degrees outside and the air temp inside is around
> 80, why should it need to engage the compressor clutch? I would
> think that there would be some type of hot water regulator going to
> the heater box or an air diverter that would mix cool air in. But no,
> the clutch will turn on and off and I will notice the RPM drops from
> 800 down to 650 or so. I am sure this isn't good for fuel economy if
> there is extra drag on the engine. I don't know if it is happening
> when I am driving or not because I can't tell the difference in the
> engine RPM. Anyone have any thoughts on this???
>
> Thanks in advance!
> Don C