PNUTMNM,

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The rest of the time if the A/C button is ON, the compressor WILL kick in and out as it has to cycle to keep the air at a given temperature. Most newer cars work this way. Think of it as a cruise control alternatively gassing and letting up to maintain a relatively constant speed.
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This is how I understand it SHOULD work as well, however on my vehicle it is doing this independent of the A/C button. I've now had two different Nissan service departments tell me this is the correct operation on the 2003 and that it was changed from 2002. Personally I think they are wrong and my A/C button is stuck in the ON position even though the light still turns on and off.

Do you by any chance have a 2003 or have access to one to test this. On my vehicle simply turning on the fan, and turning the temp down to cold engages the compressor ALL THE TIME.

Thanks for the info..