AC compressor starts automatically even if AC is OFF.

2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER
55,000 MILES
Avatar
MUHIB_J
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
when i start my car and keep for heating,sometimes i hear a noise of trip and compressor starts, and clutch (below the belt) also start rotating.
Is this normal even if AC buttons are oFF in the car.
Aug 29, 2011 at 6:31 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
This is not normal for your vehicle according to specifications as stated in our database. If the A/C switch is not turned on, the compressor should not engage.


Aug 29, 2011 at 2:14 PM
Avatar
MUHIB_J
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the reponse.
please let me know how to solve this AC problem.
What checkups do i need to do or what to be replaced.
Regards,
Sep 2, 2011 at 3:28 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
Is your A/C system manual or automatic control?
Sep 2, 2011 at 5:26 PM
Avatar
MUHIB_J
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
AC system is automatica i guess. please tell me what to do to sort the problem.also let me know if it is manual thn wat to do.
Sep 13, 2011 at 8:56 AM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
Whether manual or automatic system, the A/C compressor gets its power supply from the A/C compressor relay and there are 3 possibilities for the relay to be energised.

1. Faulty relay. It is self triggering intermittently and contacting to provide power to the compressor. Try swapping out the compressor relay with the fog light relay and see if problem goeas away.

2. A short in the grounding circuit of the compressor relay. You would need to test orange wire for shorting.

3. Faulty PCM. It is grounding the relay intermittently.
Sep 13, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Avatar
HILARIO ARANDA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Dear sir,
when i start the engine and turn on the A/C the fan and auxiliary fan runs only for seconds then it will stop running. my question is, what is the cause and how could i fix it? Is it the fuse or the clutch of compressor?
Second question, my car running with black smoke i dismantling and cleaned already the carburetor but still black smoke is coming please help. God bless you.
Thanks
Nov 1, 2017 at 10:34 AM (Merged)
Avatar
MHPAUTOS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 31,937 POSTS
The A/C system may be low on refrigerant, this will have to be checked by a mechanic with the correct equipment. if low there will be a leak that will require attention, you cannot just add refrigerant yourself as there is an exact weight required to run the system, too much or too little and the system will shut down. as for the black smoke, this will be over rich, if your car is a carburetor model, the float level may be too high causing flooding, something that a mechanic or someone with carburetor experience needs to look at, as the adjustments are very precise.
Nov 1, 2017 at 10:34 AM (Merged)