Hmmmm, I just reread my last post and I don't like the tone of it. It was rather abrupt. I really don't mean to be short with anyone. I have a very terse writing style due to occasional technical writing.

My thanks always to those who take the time to answer. I resigned myself yesterday to the expenditure. I'm not mad at my car, just a bit bummed about spending major $.

I guess the lesson learned is to keep the "EC" button pushed unless I deliberately want to run the compressor? I reread my owner's manual and it does not really mention this. Should I treat this system a little less carelessly? I have had it on "AUTO" for a couple of months now.