Expert: Candido Figueroa - 9/12/2009

Question
The air conditioning in my 2000 Echo won't turn off. More specifically, the air conditioning turns on any time my vent selector is anywhere from the upright position to down and bottom right (window defrost).

I had an immobilizer and auto start installed a few years ago and I am guessing a wire got crossed during the install. I asked the garage, however, and they say they don't go anywhere near those wires and don't think it's their fault.

It is very annoying and prevents me from using my front window defrost vent. I am also a little unhappy to think that I have been running my air conditioning during the winter these past few years whenever I try to clear my windows, not to mention the waste of money.

Are there any other possible causes for this kind of malfunction? Is there a part that could break down that could cause this or is this exclusively a wiring problem?

Answer
Hi Tim

Your Echo is operating correctly.  Whenever you put it on defrost it will automatically engage your compressor.  Don't worry about winter your car has an ambient temperature sensor that will not allow your compressor to engage if the temperature falls below 32 F.  All these vehicles are equipped like that you really can not control it.