Strange A/C Issue --- Getting Stranger
After further investigation into my strange A/C issue, I have more strange symptoms to report:
I've found that the compressor will only switch on once the auxiliary fans are already running (such as when the car is at a standstill). When the A/C does switch on, it works perfectly (all fans and compressor running). If the auxiliary fans are not already running, turning on the A/C switch will neither start the compressor nor the fans.
As a little experiment, I've been driving around all weekend with the A/C switch in the on position just to see when the compressor will turn on. Sure enough, when I first start running the car and am running on city streets, the auxiliary fans are on and I can run the A/C perfectly. However, as soon as I get on the freeway and the auxiliary fans turn off (because there's enough air flowing through the radiator), the compressor turns off as well. Once I get off the freeway and say stop at a red light, the auxiliary fans kick back on and so does the compressor.
It is very puzzing to me why the act of turning on the A/C is not itself enough to turn on the fans and compressor. Obviously the fans and compressor are fully operational, but there is some electrical problem preventing the A/C from turning on when the auxiliary fans are not independently running.
Any ideas?
Erika