AC compressor clutch problem or not?

[gogogsr]

Hey guys, i'm looking on buying myself a new X (a new used, lol). There's one i went to see and everything looked good except for the AC compressor clutch that was gripping then releasing for 30 seconds, gripping 5 seconds, and releasing again, and so on... Is that normal with the AC off. The guy told me is girlfriend car does the same thing and that its normal. Just wanted to hear from you guys, because i dont think thats normal. Thanks alot

 

[coco944x4s]

The defroster may have been on. The A/C runs with the defroster on as a "defogger" to keep the windshield from fogging up. If it was cycling that quickly, I would expect there to be a low refrigerant level, or it could be over charged, or some type of electrical problem, but most likely refrigerant level.

On the other hand, if the clutch was cycling and the defroster or the A/C switch were not on, then there is an issue that has the clutch turning on, however there is also the problem causing it to cycle quickly. Either way, the clutch should never cycle that quickly all the time.

 

[budwich]

as suggested, you need to get it on heat only or vent only... all other setting cause the AC to run in some form (most vehicles do this "technique")... and since you are in the great white north, it ain't going to run for very long cause its, well, the great white north this time of year...