Is it normal for an A/C compressor to click on every 7 to 15 seconds?? Mine does and you can feel the "click" through the floorboard. I checked the A/C clutch air gap (as suggested by another user eons ago,) and found it to be way out of spec. Do I have to pull the whole compressor to adjust the gap? I couldn't see any way to adjust it while it's still on my truck.

On a side note. . .my friends SportTrac does the same thing, just as loud, and just as often.

Any help would be appreciated!!

 

if it does it every few seconds then i would check the charge it should ba around 35psi if it is low then it will click on every few seconds like you described

 

Took it to the dealer, said they tested the system and found that my pressure switch was giving normal readings at first, then it would flip out and go haywire. They replaced the switch and tested the system. Compressor still clikcing though!

 

ya get a gauge and check teh pressure on the low side service port

 

I have 97 Explorer with the same problem. Just took it in to the dealer for the 4th time and they told me it's normal (again). Was 26 degrees out and the compressor still loadly clicks every 10-20 seconds. Pls let me know if you find a resolution, they said they checked all the pressure readings and Freon levels (again).

 

Checked the pressure, everything is within specs. I guess it's normal but it's freaking LOUD! I still think the compressor clutch air gap needs to be fixed, but dealer & local A/C guy says it's ok.

 

Fast cycling in colder weather is normal, as the evap temp goes down fast, lowering the pressure fast, which causes the cycling pressure switch to cut out quickly. When it gets cold enough outside, the compressor will not run in Defrost anymore, as the system equalized gas pressure will be too low for the CPS to close.

Most A/C clutch gaps are adjusted by taking off the belt, pulling the clutch plate off (needs proper puller) and adding/removing round washer-like shims at the center. You have to measure in many places FIRST, before disassembly, so when you have it apart, you know how much shim to add or remove to adjust to specs. Because you can't check clearance again till you have it all assembled.

 

It does it regardless of the weather. It was clicking when it was 95º+, and it's still clicking now that it's around 50º.

 

same here, it was 23 degrees last week and still clicking.

 

I think you should try to find a good A/C repairperson. The clutch air gap is unlikely to have changed. You need to pull the compressor to work on the air gap, the wrench that holds the clutch plate costs about 15 bucks, and the nut is probably a standard or metric hex. If you pull the compressor off that means big bucks! The clutch cycling switch may be OK, have someone check the wires at the switch, there could be a bad connection. Try to find a new dealer, or go to a shop with a wise old tech. When any car I ever owned started having compressor cycling problems, it had a leak.
There are a few problems you may be encountering as well, A/C problems are usually complicated and are best left to the Pros. The system is made of many parts but all parts have to act as one, anything that happens in one area will affect the rest of the system, it is a closed loop.

If you have a warranty repair issue, the dealer will also try to tell you nothing is wrong, and not spend enough time to correctly analyze and repair the problem. Dealers are famous for ignoring A/C problems if the system is still working just a little bit, they will tell you there is nothing wrong, you will sweat for three years, then when the system finally dies completely, and your warrany is over, they miraculously find the problem.