When I turn on the heater or the defroster in my vehicle, the air conditioning compressor comes on intermittently?

1995 CHEVROLET BLAZER
150,000 MILES • 4.3L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PITBULLYGIRL
  • MEMBER
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When I am looking at the engine under the hood, I can see it come on. Then it shuts off and it does this approximately every 5 minutes or so. It doesn't stay on. I have had this happen on several Chevrolet cars that I have owned in the past. I am wondering why this is happening.
Jan 6, 2024 at 2:42 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

The A/C compressor is designed to cycle with the defroster on. It is used to help dehumidify the air entering the vehicle. That way, it defrosts the glass faster.

Based on your description, it sounds like it is working as designed.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
Jan 6, 2024 at 4:12 PM
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PITBULLYGIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.
Jan 7, 2024 at 11:37 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. Feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions or need help with a problem.

Take care of yourself,

Joe
Jan 8, 2024 at 10:24 AM
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