[Mr Spock]

Not sure if this is normal, but kicked on th ac today and noticed the cycle time is really short and the compressor clutch is very loud. I am used to cycle times where the compressor will be "on" for several minutes before cycling and mine seems to cycle on and off every 10 secs or so with a very loud click. Anyone else experience this? Wonder if the system wasn't charged right fro
the factory or something.

 

[lakerunner]

I only notice the loud part from the ac kicking in the first time I turn it on.. if I pay close attention I can tell when it cycles, but it isn't near as loud as the the initial start up.
Every 10 seconds sounds like it has a low charge, definitely something I'd make a trip back to the dealer for.

 

[chaz]

thats low charge time to get a service done,i did a bump charge on mine last year,it was very cheap,going on 4 years with it now
i think they put in the bare minimum at the factory(just what is required)

 

[Mr Spock]

Went to the dealer today. Apparently this rapid cycling of the compressor is now normal as a gas savings measure when sitting at idle. According to the service manager it is the same on frontys and maximas (at least) as he has a maxima. He thought it was weird and we both speculated about duty cycles and how all the on/off cycles are going to affect the life of the system. Just to be sure, he did have my system drained and repressurized but it still acts the same. Not sure when this change went into effect but we probably need to watch for premature ac failures now.

 

[lakerunner]

Well that's interesting... If it makes you feel any better my old truck cycled like that the entire time over the 9 years I had it, idling or not. I'm sure it had a low charge but it wasn't enough to keep it from cooling at least.

 

[toryroyce]

Mine doesn't do that, but it sure is loud on engagement. I don't think the high idle circuit when you start the truck helps. Why does the truck need to idle at 2000rpm cold even in the summer? Anyway, that cycle time doesn't sound normal to me. It can vary depending on weather conditions though....
Not sure I buy the dealership answer. They always try to tell you what you want to hear. Most of those guys are idiots behind the counter....