a/c short cycle

[banker099]

any one know what will cause the a/c compressor to short cycle?

the compressor stays on for like 5 sec and then turns back off for bout 7 sec

02 silverado 5.3

[r6z4o6]

A low charge of freon would do it.

[thunder550]

Is the air still cool? If so it's probably normal.

[AKlowriderZ71]

A low charge of freon would do it.

x2 Low charge. Have the leak found and repaired. If you bypass the low pressure switch to make it run anyway, it will damage the compressor.

[banker099]

this is the first time i have used it since the 5.3 swap. the low pressure side is fine...someone else said it was the orfice ttube...what ya'll think?

[AKlowriderZ71]

The oriface tube is basically just an inline filter, after the compressor. It should be okay unless your compressor is coming apart, filling it with metal, and plugging the line. What you described is exactly what happens when your refrigerant charge is too low.

[banker099]

k...ill double check it thanks...what should the pressure be on the low side (round about figure?)

[txarkitekt]

Don't know--but you can go to your local auto parts store and buy a R134a recharge kit to where you can charge it yourself. Make sure to buy a setup with an inline pressure gauge--and follow the directions specifically.

[banker099]

my buddy is a mechanic and has all the gauges and stuff...i was just looking for a estimated number of what should be in there and ill compare that to what is in there now.

[txarkitekt]

IDK about the psi...35-40psi maybe??? Also, a low charge of freon can cause the "short cycles," but typically the main cause of the short cycles with the compressor is the Pressure switch...