I notice everytime I start the car the HVAC comes on . I have o push "OFF" to shut down. is there a computer code that will keep it off until asked to light off?

The AC is on in all positions except "off," "vent (arrow to face)," and "heat (arrow to floor)."  The HVAC panel should remember your last setting when you start the car.  That said, the 1996 year HVAC has unique problems related to vacuum connections.

Try turning everything to the off position before shutting off the car,heat and a/c.If you still have the same problem,you have a bad hvac relay staying in the closed position.

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