My 2001 Ford Escort which is full of freon won't cool because power is not getting to the compressor. Does the control relay have an affect on the compressor engaging?

He would probably be correct. It's called a Constant Control Relay Module. It controls more than just the a/c. But, a single circuit can fail without affecting other functions. Follow this link.... http://repairpal.com/the-constant-control-relay-module-may-fail-388

This is a very common problem. it's one of the relays in the CCM. I have had to replace mine twice over the years. You can search around and find a relay and pull your CCM apart and replace just the one relay, or replace the whole CCM. Sometimes the problem is just a bad solder joint on the relay. The unites are riveted shut an not meant to be serviced though.

Right Jarett, and I was also advised to not service that CCRM box, but I ground away the rivets and found that most parts in the box we're EASY to repair or replace, but the suspected relay's cover would not snap apart, so I had to CAREFULLY cut it's cover off.