Compressor problem

[SonicRiot]

My A/C compressor goes on for 1 second at 8 second intervals. Neither the A/C or defroster is on. In fact, it will do this at idle (can't hear it above idle) with the climate control OFF.

I have an R-134a conversion. The low pressure lines look corroded(the black paint is flaking off) and I know on Ford units, the O-rings and schrader valves go bad, so where should I start?

We have some gauge and manifold sets in the shop at school, so I am going to check my pressures. I am thinking the system needs to be recharged.

Any other ides or suggestions?
Why would the compressor be going on and off when the climate control is OFF?

Thanks

 

[SHO_Driver]

Could possibly be a wiring/electrical problem. But what happens when you turn it on, does it work at all?

<small>[ February 11, 2004, 01:15 AM: Message edited by: SHO_Driver ]</small>

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

normally, frequent cycling means the system does in fact need recharging, but by all means check the system pressure first. since you say the climate control was OFF, then that does kinda sound like a wiring problem. and youre certain its the compressor? do you see the RPMs fluctuate when it kicks in? does it kick on when you turn on the a/c or defroster still?

 

[SonicRiot]

see, I don't really know how long this has been going on. I just noticed it b/c the compressor is hard to hear in my car. In fact, you can't hear it in the cabin because my exhaust is pretty whoosy and loud at idle without that silencer cone. I noticed it after I did my TB coolant line bypass yesterday. It kept clicking. On. Off. Couldn't figure it out. Then I put a flashlight where the sound was and figured out it was the compressor. I thought at first it was a clutch problem, but then I figured it needed electromagnetic force to pull in the clutch, so if it wasn't functioning, it wouldn't engage.

So wtf is making it engage?!?! DAHH! headbang

And no, I haven't seen any change in RPM because it clicks on for a second and no longer.

I'm going to check the pressure of the refridgerant tomorrow.

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

SonicRiot:
see, I don't really know how long this has been going on. I just noticed it b/c the compressor is hard to hear in my car. In fact, you can't hear it in the cabin because my exhaust is pretty whoosy and loud at idle without that silencer cone. I noticed it after I did my TB coolant line bypass yesterday. It kept clicking. On. Off. Couldn't figure it out. Then I put a flashlight where the sound was and figured out it was the compressor. I thought at first it was a clutch problem, but then I figured it needed electromagnetic force to pull in the clutch, so if it wasn't functioning, it wouldn't engage.

So wtf is making it engage?!?! DAHH! headbang

And no, I haven't seen any change in RPM because it clicks on for a second and no longer.

I'm going to check the pressure of the refridgerant tomorrow.

wow, thats wierd. you bypassed the tb coolant and this started....i think its coincidence. you couldnt have touched anything in doing that to cause this. or at least its highly unlikely you could have....

check the rpms next time. see if they jump when you think you hear it kick on. let us know. its possible the clutch may be malfunctioning. its tough to tell from here though. good luck.

 

[SonicRiot]

check the rpms next time. see if they jump when you think you hear it kick on. let us know. its possible the clutch may be malfunctioning. its tough to tell from here though. good luck.

What are you talking about? You can't SEE it?!?!

Just joshin' ya!

Yeah, I know it was just coincidence. No RPM spikes. I'm thinking....it's a PCM problem. headbang

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

sorry to hear it man. hopefully you can get another PCM to try out. hope it all works out for you. if there are no rpm spikes though i would be quick to believe its not the compressor. you could always try unplugging the compressor and see if you still hear it. are you sure youre not hearing the relay for the fan or something similar?

 

[SonicRiot]

I can see it engaging...definately the compressor. Where can I get a PCM to try?

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

SonicRiot:
I can see it engaging...definately the compressor. Where can I get a PCM to try?

well, i would try a junkyard or maybe youll find someone on here nice enough to lend you theirs good luck!

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

errr, what i should have said was try a new climate control unit. i dont think the PCM would control the compressor. my bad. let us know how it goes.

 

[SonicRiot]

well, now I can't get it to work at all. I think it's just too cold, but whatever it is, the compressor isn't kicking on at all now. I'm befuddled! shrug

I'll keep you all posted.