is this normal?

[Oxygen]

it seems like when i turn on the A/C and i believe the defroster too, this pulley or clutch will keep clicking on and off in about a 10-15 second interval.. heres a video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euWYaHjIocA

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

it seems like when i turn on the A/C and i believe the defroster too, this pulley or clutch will keep clicking on and off in about a 10-15 second interval.. heres a video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euWYaHjIocA

im pretty sure thats normal. its just engaging the compressor when it clicks and spins.

 

[dogfriend]

If its cycling too frequently, it could be a sign that the refrigerant level is low. Don't just add R-134; have it checked with a gauge set and then add if low.

 

[Oxygen]

did you check out the video? is mine cycling to frequently?

what should be the timing for the cycling?

 

[drothgeb]

I had this problem just a month ago. I thought it was low on refrigerant, but it was barely low. The compressor had gone bad and I had a gap in the clutch. Replaced the compressor and everything is fine now. It isn't normal for it to cycle that frequently at all.

 

[Oxygen]

what should be the timing in the cycling of the compressor?

 

[drothgeb]

It should cycle every minute to 90 seconds, but outside temperature can also change this slightly

 

[Oxygen]

i see.. i took the video this morning when it was in the low 20's.. so maybe that is why it was cycling frequently?

i've owned the truck since 05 and never ever had a problem with the AC since i've had it.. always ice cold

 

[drothgeb]

The system naturally leaks just slightly and it is possible that the freon could be a little low. I'd check it yourself if you can or take it to a trusted shop so you can see where to go from here. If it cycles too frequently it can wear out parts prematurely.

 

[Oxygen]

alright, i might buy a can of that R134 stuff and give it a try

 

[BobWiersema]

The compressor will cycle based on the return pressure. If its cold outside, short cycles would be normal. In defrost mode the system is using heat and a/c to de-humidify. Since this only puts a small load on the a/c system it would be normal for it to cycle on and off quite often. Best time to check your system is on a hot day, not in the winter.

The best way to charge the system is by weight. You will find a label telling you how much 134a the system holds. The only way to get this absolutely correct would be to dump it out, pump it down to a deep vacuum and then refill the system based on weight. Any other method of charging is just a shot in the dark. On a nice hot day I can get a system close based on return line temperature, but as the Myth-Busters say, "I have years of experience to keep me safe".

 

[Oxygen]

alright well it was around 25 degrees when i took the video.. so maybe that is why it's cycling alot

 

[Joe Dirt]

Mine does the same thing, and everything is fine.