We got a 98 Ford Escort SE wagon that had an A/C problem which looked like the CCRM, so we replaced it. The car now has a brand new CCRM and the A/C compressor runs. Here's the thing though, the A/C compressor DOES NOT engage in the A/C or MAX A/C positions. But, it does engage in the Dash Vent, OFF, Floor vent and defrost positions. If the compressor is engaged in, say, the dash vent position and I switch it to the A/C position, the compressor runs for a few seconds and shuts off.
The car belonged to my daughter's father in law who gave it to us for one of our younger daughters since he could no longer drive. My older daughter drove the car a few times in the last few months her father in law still had it and she said this is haw the A/C always acted as far as she knew. She says the A/C had always been messed up. So the CCRM replacement didn't start this problem. The father in law (now deceased) had the car since new so it follows that the A/C worked correctly at one time.
Any ideas where to look? Maybe the switch in the dashboard? It is vacuum or electrically operated?