A/C Compressor cycles On and Off

[broncobilly69]

On my 2000 Ford Explorer the A/C cycles on and off. After some testing yesterday I came to the conclusion that at idle the compressor may cycle once or twice but for the most part its blasting cold air. As soon as I go for a drive the compressor must cut out and it goes warm again.

I stopped, popped the hood as quick as I could and put the paper clip in the LP switch because I thought thats what it would be. No luck. I'm thinking of trying the same thing with the HP switch.

Any ideas or help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[MrQ]

I'd check the freon pressure before messing with switches. Also the computer tells the A/C compressor to cycle off during heavy acceleration to free up more power.

 

[broncobilly69]

I haven't been able to hook up any gauges to it yet. Another things is after it sits for say 24 hours. When I start it up and put the A/C on it makes a weezing sound. I've looked at this and there seems to be a little relief valve on the discharge of the compressor. Its actually blowing off freon in order to save the compressor.

Maybe this could be a sign that the system is equalizing or something worse. Thanks.

 

[Cancun]

I'd like to get an answer too. My X is doing the same thing. It'll blow cool air and the heater works, but the compressor keeps cycling on and off when I check it. I heard it might be the switch on the low pressure side... any thoughts?

 

[broncobilly69]

Ok well I haven't done anything to the A/C system but I did have an overheating issue. You can check out the thread here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=294791

Well after changing the thermostat I haven't had problems with the A/C blowing cold air. Now it will change from the vents to defrost and then a mix of the two. Most of the time it works correctly but occasionally messes up.

I'm looking into this problem now.

Thanks for the help.