A/C Compressor Clutch?

[Shoboy3]

I couldn't stand the heat today and no air conditioning in the SHO so I has the system sucked out, and then I retrofitted it myself. The air is damn cold now but for some reason the compressor keeps constantly kicking on and off, on and off, etc... Does this mean my compressor is bad, or could it be the switch that prevents it from turning on if the system is low? Please help as I am afraid to run the air now, thinking it may be damaging the compressor!

 

[AutoSHO]

at what intervals does it click on and off? It is completely normal for it to cycle on and off.

 

[Shoboy3]

It kicks on and off fairly fast. It will run for 10-20 seconds then kick off. After another 10-20 seconds it will cylce on again and it keeps doing this. It works fine when its on, and it doesn't seem to stop blowing ice cold air, but I don't want to burn the compressor out because of the constant cycling!

 

[Shoboy3]

UPDATE: with the connector for the cycling switch jumped the compressor did not cycle on and off, it just stayed running. Would a new cycling switch fix the problem?

Assuming that replacing the switch would require losing the a/c charge....would it hurt to leave the connector jumpered and tied off to the side, or is this a no-no?

 

[Rob94]

If memory serves correctly, a new switch is $25-30 at Ford. You will not lose your charge by replacing it. It may or may not be the problem. Are you sure the system is properly charged? FYI, I have gone through 3 clutch cycling switchs in the last 4 yrs. I get the same symptoms you just described, and when I check the charge, it is fine. Replacing the switch is relatively cheap. I say give it a try and see what happens.

 

[sdpatt]

The cycling switch is doing its job. Rapid cyling means your refrigerant pressure is low. The switch won't let the compressor run too long because it is ******* it (overheating and lack of lubrication) when the pressure is below the minimum switch setting. You will most likely damage the compressor if you bypass the switch. If the pressure checks out to be okay, only then you should replace the cycling switch.

 

[Shoboy3]

Came to find out there is in deed a leak somewhere and it leaks out after an hour or so. Funniest thing is I added some red tracing dye and there is no evidence of it (from what I can see)!