Ok, I was driving in to work this morning when my A/C compressor seized up, but what I don't understand is the switch was set to off! The compressor should not be running when the switch is in the off position should it? I slid it over to "vent" the compressor kicked off and then spun freely (like it should). So I'm debating wether to just get rid of the A/C or recharge it and see if the Compressor is still good. Can anyone tell why the compressor would be running while the dash slide switch is in the "off" setting?

 

There is a good chance that the switch is slightly out of adjustment and that "OFF" is not ereally off.

 

That's what it was. My son was in the car last night playing with Sh*t and it must have been stuck just between "off" and "max". I bought a recharge kit and I guess I'll see that helps loosen up the compressor. If not the ac's coming out!

 

AC shouldn't come on in the off position but most GM heater system don't have an off. The lowest setting is low so the fan stays on and pressurizes the cab. This helps keep dust out or so GM thinks.

If the switch is in the low/off position and the temperature control is in cold, the AC may still work. The AC will also work in the defrost position even if the heat is on. The AC dehumidifies the air for the defrost.

Compressors fail occasionally but the system can leak out the freon at any number of places. Before you spend the money to recharge it or change the compressor, get it pressure tested to see if there are any leaks first. The system will be pressure tested with 300 psi of nitrogen so it's not something a backyard mechanic can do.