ac compressor clicking

[rustymike13613]

Hello, when i went to work today my explorer while idleing the ac compressor was making a clicking sound so i checked it out. It seems to kick on and run for a few seconds then it clicks off, anyone know anything about this is it normal ? doesn't seem to hurt anything but makes a anoying clicking noise.

 

[TSTONE]

welcome to the board:

thats normal, it's so your windshield doesn't crack from the combination of your defrosters being on and the outside temp being cold

 

[rustymike13613]

Thanks for the info TSTONE

 

[jimmiecakes]

Mmmmm, actually it's to dehumidify the air before blowing onto the windshield. It reduces fogging in near zero temps. Where did this "crack" stuff come from?

 

[stroud13]

The compressor will also cycle on/off when the coolant level gets low. It may need to be recharged. If the coolant level gets too low, it will eventually shut off the compressor completely. If that happens, don't let someone replace the compressor ($$) before you try an inexpensive recharge.

I've never heard of the cracking prevention either, but I have seen the effects of a drastic temperature change on existing cracks....a small one became large very fast on my windshied.

 

[ranger7ltr]

I don't know what the temp is where you are, but the HVAC system will cycle on/off when the system pressures down below a certain point and get up to a pre-determined level...

If your air temp is under 70, checking for a freon charge will give inaccurate readings. Colder air causes the system pressure to decrease and the system will still cycle on/off while you are using it.

If you just noticed this, the "click" is the clutch being energized on to run the compressor...Before ANY work is done to the system, unless you can visually see an oily/dirty spot or hose, I would recommend waiting until the ambient air warms up to a more stable temp then inspect the system again for leaks and system charge level...It is quite possible that there is nothing wrong with the system....

 

[TSTONE]

Originally posted by jimmiecakes
Where did this "crack" stuff come from?

Ford Product Portfolio - aka: Salespersons Product Guide

 

[jimmiecakes]

Today is a balmy 8°F...... wind is thirty mph. If I unplug my AC clutch, I can assure you that my wndshield will not crack.

Naturally, that leads us into the question about the cars without AC - why do they not have cracked windshields?