Is it normal for my A/C compressor to come on for about 5 seconds then shut off for a long time before coming back on for another 5 seconds while I have the defroster on?
Shouldn't the compressor stay on constantly when I have the defroster engaged?

Is it normal for my A/C compressor to come on for about 5 seconds then shut off for a long time before coming back on for another 5 seconds while I have the defroster on?
Shouldn't the compressor stay on constantly when I have the defroster engaged?A/C should kick on with the defrost on to help remove moisture from the air. It may or may not stay on all the time. The defrost does need the A/C to work correctly in order for the defrost to work correctly.

late model cars use the A/C to cycle air to dehumidify it in defog mode. it's normal for the compressor to kick in every now and then

late model cars use the A/C to cycle air to dehumidify it in defog mode. it's normal for the compressor to kick in every now and thenThere is a way on our neons to keep the A/C compressor from tuning on in the defrost mode, if you wanna save on gas.

you can remove the a/c compressor, but all it does is save on some wieght. it does keep it from kicking on, though...

you can remove the a/c compressor, but all it does is save on some wieght. it does keep it from kicking on, though...There is a mod people can do to keep the A/C from coming on when in defrost mode.

Thanks for all the info but I think my question was misinterpreted. I was concerned that the compressor was not coming on as often as I thought it should.
Even when I turn the actual A/C on, the compressor doesn't respond. The outside temperature has been around 0 C (32 F), so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it.
The only time the compressor engages is after I've had the defroster on for a little while and then it only comes on for 5 seconds and turns off for quite some time before it comes on again for another 5 seconds.

Is something wrong with it?

Is something wrong with it?No.