Of course it's nice to reduce shock by starting something up slowly (or as slowly as possible). But there seem to be a couple of misconceptions running through this thread.
First, an AC compressor is a pump, not a motor. It can be driven by a motor. Certain pumps can be run or installed 'backward' to act as a motor, say like a hydraulic motor.
Second, an AC system (or ANY pump and fluid system) that has sat for a while and reached equilibrium across the compressor presents the lowest resistance or load to the compressor upon startup. An AC system which has just cycled off presents the highest resistance, which is why home AC controls will often have a timer to prevent an immediate startup.
Third, on your own car, it wouldn't take more than having an assistant start up the car with the AC on while you looked under the hood to determine if the compressor clutch was immediately engaged. My guess is the electrical accessory shut-off during starter engagement prevents the AC compressor clutch from engaging. Otherwise, the battery would be running the AC compressor AND starting the car.
First, an AC compressor is a pump, not a motor. It can be driven by a motor. Certain pumps can be run or installed 'backward' to act as a motor, say like a hydraulic motor.
Second, an AC system (or ANY pump and fluid system) that has sat for a while and reached equilibrium across the compressor presents the lowest resistance or load to the compressor upon startup. An AC system which has just cycled off presents the highest resistance, which is why home AC controls will often have a timer to prevent an immediate startup.
Third, on your own car, it wouldn't take more than having an assistant start up the car with the AC on while you looked under the hood to determine if the compressor clutch was immediately engaged. My guess is the electrical accessory shut-off during starter engagement prevents the AC compressor clutch from engaging. Otherwise, the battery would be running the AC compressor AND starting the car.
