a/c compressor in winter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 111
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a/c compressor in winter
When it is winter, can you unplug the a/c unit so it doesn't cycle and would you have more heat, or does it have to cycle all year ? Will unplugging it cause failure in summer? Mine cycles on off every minute or so, is this right?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,533
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From: Dexter, MI
What year is your truck? That makes a difference about what turns the AC on.
Where do you live - north and cold or south and mild? It sounds like you have the AC turned on or are operating in defrost mode. That would allow AC operation if the ambient temperature is 40 degrees or above. Colder than that, the AC shouldn't be cycling.
Where do you live - north and cold or south and mild? It sounds like you have the AC turned on or are operating in defrost mode. That would allow AC operation if the ambient temperature is 40 degrees or above. Colder than that, the AC shouldn't be cycling.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
If you disconnect the AC two undesirable things will happen. The compressor will fail prematurely due to lubrication problems. If the system is allowed to sit, the lubricant drains off of the parts, so when you tun it on the seals have all dried out, and they get damaged. The second reason the compressor comes on is to dry the air, which helps with defogging the interior of the vehicle. It really does make a difference.
If you are having a shortage of heat, your heater core is probably partially plugged up. Make sure you flush the system out routinely, and never ever use tap water in the cooling system.
If you are having a shortage of heat, your heater core is probably partially plugged up. Make sure you flush the system out routinely, and never ever use tap water in the cooling system.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 6
From: UPSTATE NY
damn bear river you are an ace! so just to repeat 98range's question "is it completely normal for the a/c compressor to cycle on and off every 20 seconds while idleing no matter what setting you have your ac/heat controls at? because i noticed mine was doing this and it boohooved me to do a search and pull up this old thread. i can understand the dehumidified defrost function of it and that would make sense during defrost, but why at all times? its awefully annoying to have it cycling and clunking its little clutch pulley on and off so darn much.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 6
From: UPSTATE NY
i know but thats not what i'm talking about. that only happens when the low pressure switch is engaging and shutting it off to keep itself from getting damaged and you have your controls set to a/c or max a/c. it looks like bear already answered the question but i just wanted some more detail on it.
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