AC Compressor keeps cycling.....HELP!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
AC Compressor keeps cycling.....HELP!
When I turn on my AC or Heat, my compressor constantly cycles on and off. It doesn't matter what temperature or fan speed I am set at, it constantly
turns on and off every 5-10 seconds, causing my idle to constantly rise and fall. Any ideas?
Big *****
turns on and off every 5-10 seconds, causing my idle to constantly rise and fall. Any ideas?
Big *****
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 0
From: Newark Ohio
Re: AC Compressor keeps cycling.....HELP! (Big *****)
it cycles on/off for defrost/defog even in heat mode. for dehumidifying air to clear windows quicker. could this be what you're experiencing?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 0
From: What did the 5 fingers say to the face? SLAP!!
Re: AC Compressor keeps cycling.....HELP! (Big *****)
You said AC and Heat. Is it actually heat or Defrost. If it's AC and Defrost you're probably low on freon.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 0
Re: AC Compressor keeps cycling.....HELP! (Big *****)
does it cool good? the thing will cycle frequently even under normal operation. how ever it could be cycling on the low pressure, may need to check the charge.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Joppa Md
Re: AC Compressor keeps cycling.....HELP! (Rich_01659)
does it cool good? the thing will cycle frequently even under normal operation. how ever it could be cycling on the low pressure, may need to check the charge.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
From: Bel Air Md
Re: AC Compressor keeps cycling.....HELP! (Big *****)
In A/C or heat / defrost the compressor will cycle on and off if you are at idle. If it does it when running, it probably is low on refrigerant F12. Very expensive if you can find a place to purchase it. A quick way to check the charge is to put it on full A/C and measure the outlet air temperature after 5 minutes or so of driving, not idleing. This time of year, the outlet air, if the charge is correct will be somewhere in the 40 F range. If it is 50 or 60 , the charge is probably low.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Re: AC Compressor keeps cycling.....HELP! (Big *****)
Well, it seems that it only cycles in defrost and environ modes. It doesn't
cycle in heat and auto modes. I assume this is proper operation?
cycle in heat and auto modes. I assume this is proper operation?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Joppa Md
Re: AC Compressor keeps cycling.....HELP! (Big *****)
The clutch engages in the defrost mode to work as a dehumidifier but if it cycles as you say "on and off" it might be low on freon. Just low enough not to shut the system down by the low freon switch.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Huntersville NC
Re: AC Compressor keeps cycling.....HELP! (sumoboy)
Definately start with checking the refrigerant charge. The constant cycling is a classic symptom. Also have the system checked for leaks, and seriously consider retrofitting the system to R-134 if you havent already. You'll save money in the long run.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1
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Big ***** did you ever resolve this problem and what did it end up being ?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Mission Viejo CA
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