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Old Apr 19, 2008 | 06:29 PM
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fastmaxx400
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AC Help

Hi, I have a 2002 ranger 4x4 4.0 and when I bought it the ac did not work. Today since the weather is getting warmer I charged the system with 24 oz. of r-134a with stop leak (assuming it has a small leak). The air is now ice cold but I have a question. My compressor cycles on for about 10-15 sec then shuts off for like 10 sec and so on, does this means it needs more of a charge or is this normal?

Thanks Kevin
 
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Old Apr 19, 2008 | 07:02 PM
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pgw85706
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No, the cycling is how it normally operates. If it is putting out cold air, the charge is fine.
 
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Old Apr 19, 2008 | 08:32 PM
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thanks for the quick reply
 
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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 12:18 AM
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7622RM
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Fastmaxx400--I learned last year with my '97 XLT that diagnosing and fixing A/C problems is not as easy as just adding refrigerant and checking for cold air. It's based on a very specific set of parameters for each type of vehicle. The only way you can really know if you're system is operating correctly is to use an A/C manifold gauge set.

The short story is, yes, an A/C unit cycling excessively could indicate that an A/C system is undercharged (i.e. low side pressure falls too low and low pressure cutoff switch kicks in) or it could mean you added too much refrigerant (i.e. high side pressure is too high and high pressure cutoff is kicking in). It also depends on what type of air conditioning system you have. If your system uses a variable displacement compressor, it shouldn't normally cycle. If, however, your system has a Cycling Clutch Orifice Tube (CCOT), the clutch on the compressor will cycle to maintain proper pressures.

Bottom line, study up on A/C before determining if your situation is acceptable. Automotive AC Information Forum - ACKITS.COM is a great place to lurk.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 06:49 PM
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thanks for the great info, i added another can of refrigerant and with it on max ac and doors open the compressor stays on. When i turn it lower and close the doors the compressor will stay on for a little then cycle off which I understand is good and is just maintaining temp. Thanks for all the helpful info!
 
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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 07:02 PM
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Study this thread. Embedded is a schematic courtesy of Rockledge and instructions where he explains you need to jumper the cycling switch that will continuously cycle the compressor and aid filling the system.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ac-system.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/61...ir+conditioner



Pat
 
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Old Apr 27, 2008 | 11:06 AM
  #7  
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It is normal for a compressor to cycle like this, especially when it is cooler outside.

You'll see a lot of cycling on a 75 degree day, but at 100 degrees you'll notice it's on constantly.
 
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