98 Escort weird A/C problem

[GWBrown]

Hello,

I have a 98 escort that has a weird A/C problem. I bought it used with the A/C not working and had various parts replaced. The A/C now works, but not when it should.

The compressor runs when the function selector is on Panel, Off, and Floor. The compressor does not run when the function selector is on A/C, A/C max, Panel/Floor, Floor/Def or Defrost. So if I want cold air, I have to put it on Panel or Floor.

I checked the wiring all the way to where it exits the High Pressure switch and it does get 12 volts when the function selector is in the A/C position and no voltage when it is in the Panel position. So it seems that the right signal is going to the PCM. I had the PCM swapped out for a new one and that didn't help. The compressor still gets 12 volts when the function selector says it shouldn't and vice versa.

Any ideas?

I thought that maybe there was a relay for the A/C that I could check. Perhaps it has a wire in the wrong place and is functioning as Normally Closed instead of Normally Open. I couldn't find an A/C relay though. There has to be one though, doesn't there?

Does anyone know where it is?

Thanks.

[GWBrown]

Never mind, I figured it out myself. The Constant Control Relay Module in my Escort was the wrong one. Ford made one for about a year and half that had a normally open relay as opposed to a normally closed relay (or vice versa?). Anyway, someone put the wrong one into my vehicle.

The information can be found at

http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/july2003/techtips.cfm

It is the second article on that page.