Hey Guys,

I'm new to the forum -- you've got a great thing going on here!

On my 01 Mini S, it seems as if the A/C compressor is engaged even when it's not turned on. I know this because 1. I hear the gentle ticking noise (tough sound to describe) and 2. the car is a tad slower from the additional load. It's annoying because when I hear the sound, the car is slower. It goes on and off at random times, or at least I haven't found a pattern . What could be going on?

Or maybe I'm just nuts.

 

What year is your car?

 

Heh sorry, it's 02.

 

Welcome to the forums! Not sure if this helps, but most modern autos cycle the A/C whenever the defroster is on, too. Costs about 4mpg when on.

 

I don't usually use the defroster, so that probably isn't it.

 

Auto Climate or manual climate?
He is correct about having the defrost on engages the A/C clutch.

 

I have automatic climate --- but even when the system is off, I sometimes hear the sound. When the system is on, I'm sure to check that the snowflake light is off.