Freeze Protection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The compressor cycles on and off to maintain the evaporator temperature within a specified range. When the evaporator coil temperature falls below a specified point, the intake sensor interrupts the compressor operation. When the evaporator coil temperature rises above the specification, the intake sensor allows compressor operation.