[Solved] Car AC Compressor Cycles On And Off At Idle

Cargroot is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Does your car’s ac compressor cycle on and off at idle when driving? If this happens, you will probably want to solve the issue as soon as possible. This article will explain why it happens, what can cause this issue in your ac system and how to fix it.

Why Does My Car’s AC Compressor Keep Switching On and Off?

This is usually caused due to low refrigerant levels. When these levels are low, the compressor pressure is affected, and this causes the compressor to shut off frequently.

What Is The Function Of An AC Compressor?

An AC compressor helps maintain the proper pressure in an air-conditioning system. The compressor’s job is to pressurize the refrigerant in the system, which helps ensure that the air conditioner functions properly and keeps your car cool.

What Are the Reasons for a Faulty Compressor?

A faulty compressor may be caused due to many problems, including:

Lack of Refrigerant

One of the most common causes of a faulty compressor is the lack of refrigerant in the system. Refrigerant ensures that your air conditioner stays efficient during hot weather. Without a refrigerant, your system will not work correctly, which could lead to expensive repairs or replacements.

If you’re experiencing problems with your compressor, be sure to check for any leaks around the motor or hoses that connect to it. If you find any leaks, contact an expert so they can find the source of the leak and fix it as soon as possible!

Clogged Refrigerant Charging Hose

The refrigerant charging hose can get blocked with dirt, dust, and other debris. This can cause the charge temperature to be incorrect and result in an overheated or undercharged condition.

Broken Blower Motor

If your air conditioner is not working correctly, it could be because of the blower motor. A broken blower motor can cause other issues like low water pressure in your car’s AC system and overheating because it cannot keep up with the demand of cooling down the interior.

Damaged Evaporator

A damaged evaporator is caused by leaks, corrosion, and rust. These can be caused by various factors, including an electrical short, water damage, or even accidental damage.

These are often accompanied by other problems, including a bad grounding system and a faulty speed control valve. The speed control valve is designed to regulate the amount of air that flows into the car’s cooling system and regulate the flow out of the engine compartment. 

If this part is not working correctly, it will cause low pressure in your engine compartment, leading to overheating or even worse!

Failed Fuse

Fuses are used to protect electrical equipment from damage and failure. These are usually found at various points in an electrical system, but the one you’re concerned about is located in the vehicle’s AC compressor. If this fuse fails, it will stop working correctly, which will also cause your AC compressor to fail.

How Often Should Car AC Compressor Kick On And Off?

Most car ac compressors kick on and off every 15-20 minutes. This is normal, and it’s not a cause for concern. If you don’t see your compressor kicking on and off, or if it doesn’t seem to be working properly, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.

First, check your fuse box to ensure that all the fuses are in place and properly connected. Next, check inside the car for any loose wires or damaged insulation. If there are any exposed wires, this could also be a sign of an electrical problem that needs attention.

You should also check the causes mentioned above to determine if your compressor is in working order.

Why Does My Car AC Short Cycle?

Various things, including a dirty air filter, a clogged air intake system, and a low-level electrical problem, can cause air conditioning short cycles. In addition to these common problems, some other issues may cause your AC to short cycle. 

If it is short cycling because of low-level electrical problems or a clogged air intake system, it is most likely due to a dirty air filter.

Why Does My Car AC Cycle on and off Abnormally?

If your air conditioner compressor cycles on and off abnormally, there are a few things you should do. First, make sure that the air conditioner is not over-humidifying your car. If your car is already humid, the compressor will cycle too much and cause damage to itself or other parts of your system. Also, check for any leaks around the motor. If there are any, contact a professional.

Conclusion

A faulty compressor cycling on and off at idle can be one of the most frustrating issues a car owner encounters. If you’re facing this problem, it could be due to a long list of potential issues. Hopefully, this article has given you potential resolutions to this problem. Always remember to check with a professional if the problem persists.

Read More

[Fixed] AC Only Works When Driving and Blows Warm Air When I Stop