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compressor cycling

popped the hood with the car running to check atf level and I could hear a clicking sound every 5 or 6 seconds. put a light on the compressor and it would not be engaged and then it would engage and click. didn't have the ac running or anything, in this cold weather you kidding?

I did have the heater on though, blowing through the upper and lower vents. I turned off the heater and the compressor stopped engaging, no more clicking noise. I tried turning the heater to the position that only blows warm air from the floor vents, no more clicking. What is the deal here?

The car is a 96 Ford Taurus but I don't know if that matters. No, I didn't have it on defrost or anything. It's hard to hear the clicking unless you're outside the car so I am not sure if it's been doing this all winter or what. Is this normal? Every 5 or 6 seconds? What would be the purpose of that?

Reply to
roger
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Reply to
Frank Knight

With the defrost on (in your case blend from defogg to vent) it's normal for the AC system to function. Mixes cold air with the heat to speed up the windshield process.

Reply to
PA-ter

Defrost isn't on.

Reply to
roger

Has nothing to do with the defrost process. The compressor is cycled during some heat/defrost/vent modes of operation, in order to exercise the compressor and circulate refrigerant oil throughout the AC system. It just keeps the seals moist and mechanical parts working freely, so the system doesn't atrophy while it's not being used.

Reply to
the fly

Fords I don't know, but in GM's that hi/lo knob position is called "Bi-Level". A/C is ON when using Bi-Level.

Reply to
« Paul »

I see. However, what I don't understand is why it clicks every 5 seconds or so. Why so often? It shouldn't be engaging and disengaging that frequently should it?

Reply to
roger

While not an expert on auto AC, I believe that's a symptom of low refrigerant. The low-pressure switch is causing the compressor to cut out to protect it (low refrigerant often also means low oil).

Mine is doing the same thing :-( so I imagine I'll be paying a visit to the AC fixer before it gets hot here (Arizona, so that means in a few weeks...it was 80F today), and it's R-12 so it'll probably cost a fortune...

Reply to
Z.Z.

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