Normal Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Under normal operation, the cabin A/C system is activated when the function selector switch is in the NORMAL A/C, MAX A/C, A/C RECIRC, DEF/FLOOR or DEFROST modes. The PCM opens the passenger zone valve to allow refrigerant flow through the front evaporator, and controls the cycling of the A/C compressor clutch.