A/C Compressor cycling on and off?

[Expat]

I've just picked up my Ram in the US and driven it for the first time! Great truck, but I do have one question. the A/C blows cold air, but the compressor is clicking on and off very often. I'm pretty sure it can't be right. I'll have it looked at, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem.



Thanks in advance!

 

[B.G. Smith]

That is the way they are designed to run. It cycles on and off from a pressure switch mounted in the accumulator. It could be low on refrigerant but if it is cooling, it is probably ok. Usualy have to raise the temp. a little on long trips to keep the wife from freezing to death. bg

 

[DieselDoghouse]

The low pressure limit switch, located on the accumulator bottle will shut the system down until the r134a warms enough to build pressure, this apparently prevents overcooling in the absence of a true temp limit switch. The manual (haven't got one?, ask Santa!!!) gives a chart on low side pressures at a given ambient temp - mine runs 35 - 50 lbs. And, uh, don't overcharge your system cause you will ice up your evaporator and lose (temporarily) all your cabin airflow!!!