Hi everyone, another newbie here. Great site, I really enjoy it so far. Here's my question. After about 2 weeks of owning my new '04, I started noticing the clutch in the AC clicking off & on - about every 10 seconds or so. I never noticed this on my '99 F-150 so I took it into the dealer for a check up. To make a long story short, they've all told me that this is normal and just part of the new AC design.

So for those that have had this problem, is this the same response you've been given? Also, I can hear this click inside the cab...sometimes even with the radio on. Do you guys hear it inside the cab as well or only outside?

This is really my only gripe with the new truck so far...everything else is great!

Any replies are greatly appreciated!

 

It is not uncommon to here the ac compressor clutch engage out side of the truck but if you can hear it inside the truck with the radio on this is not normal. You may have too much air gap in the compressor clutch assembly. This can be adjusted with selective shims. There is a air gap specification and the dealer should check this for you. I can not hear my compressor clutch engage inside the cab of my 04 FX4 super cab. I hope this helps you .

 

The AC clicks on and off very noticeably in my son's 2004 STX. I do not think it is a mechanical "problem" but unfortunately it reminds me very much of the AC clicking on/off in a much hated and flimsy 1999 GMC half ton that i owned. In my mind i attributed the click on, click off sound to some serious GM cost cutting and an AC system that was definitely sourced from the lowest bidder.

Not sure what to think about the 04 making the louder than expected sound. If engineers dont think people hear the sound or if engineers dont think the sound negatively reflects on people's perception of the vehicle's quality, then the engineers need to think again.

 

I really never noticed it outside(will have to listen for it), but I certainly do not hear it inside. I wouldn't consider it normal.

 

Thanks guys! I will run it by the dealer tomorrow and mention this air gap. It's worth a shot!

 

Never noticed mine kicking in and out, until yesterday when I turned on the air, and got nothing but warm air. The clutch is not kicking in, and the air no longer is working. I have just over 3,000 miles on this truck, already time to take it in. have found nothing else wrong so far, but does seem a little early for this type of failure, and I was just really starting to love this truck.

 

Took it by the dealership today and they said the air gap was within spec. However, the wierdest thing started happening yestreday...the "click" stopped being as loud, to the point that as long as the radio's on, I can't hear it. Also, the frequency between cycles lessened. Wierd. Maybe you you guys are good luck!

 

Same here. Normal operation. AC is very cold.

 

If it's doing that while you have the A/C on, I think the reasoning behind it is fuel savings and more power to the engine...since the compressor isn't running constantly...just enough to meet your cooling needs. My other cars have done this too.

 

Well, it started back again today...ugh. So I spoke to the local service manager again and he said they'll add some shims to see if it helps. I figure it can't hurt.

*knocks on wood*

 

Adding shims will make more of a air gap and will make it louder. You need less of a air gap to make this sound Quieter. Hope this dealer knows this . There is a specification in the shop manual for the proper air gap. As long as it is adjusted to the spec. you will be ok. and that clicking sound should be unnoticable in the cab.

 

Maybe I'm confused then. What did you mean by this earlier statement JS66:

So does that mean that they would actually be taking shims out, which would in effect tighten/close the gap more? Maybe I just had istbackwards in my mind.

Either way, I know they said they would tighten the gap for me so maybe it will help...even if only a little.

 

Yes this means they will take shims out or put a smaller shim in place to tighten the air gap ( make less of a air Gap)

 

Just got back from the dealer this AM. They did indeed put in a smaller shim. The result is a much quieter "click". I can still hear it if I want to *really* listen but it's definitely better than before.

Thanks to everyone for their input. Especially JS66. I had no idea about that gap and they probably would've never looked at it otherwise.

BTW, I also just added a few pics to my gallery so you can see what this fuss was all about.