Hey guys -- anyone have a solution to this:

When I have the A/C running, the compressor cycles on & off approximately every 10 seconds. When it happens, I hear a faint "click" from underneath the steering column area. This occurs at all the different temperature and fan settings. Also occurs at all vehicle speed or rpm levels, even at idle.

I'm not sure how long this has been going on because I just noticed it today. BTW, this has not affected the operation of the AC system. It blows tons of cold air. I'm just a little worried that I might burn up the compressor clutch.

Any suggestions? TIA for your replies!

Greg W.

 

It's the relay clicking open & closed...nothing to worry about. I can hear mine too if I listen for it.

 

That's how it's supposed to work.

Dal.

 

Hold on, that is what i though in mine, but burned out the clutch.

When you say "It blows tonns of cold air", the clicking starts?

Or does it start soon after the a/c is on?, if you turn on the a/c, and after 10 mins or so, air is REALLY cold, and the clicking comes and goes, that is normal.

If you switch on the a/c, while it's "getting cooler" the clicks start, your clutch/clutch plate is failing.........

 

I'd say that 10 seconds on and 10 seconds off sounds a lot like a low refrigerant 'short cycle.'

I recommend hooking up a set of gages and watch the low side pressure. If the low side drops below about 23 psi the low pressure shut down switch opens, which de-energizes the compressor clutch. This behavior is indicative of a low refrigerant condition.

 

I will check the refrigerant level -- thanks for the tip. I reused the old o-rings when I replaced the receiver/dryer and the system has had a slow leak from those fittings ever since then. Sounds like its time to purge the system, replace the O-rings and recharge.

Thanks guys!

Greg W.