Today was the first day that I have actually used my air conditioning. The compressor (I'm assuming that's what it is, it's a clicking noise) seems to come on every 5 seconds or so. Seems like it "clicks" on too often and it's kind of annoying. How often does yours come on?

 

They are supposed to click, that is the clutch on the frt of the compressor engaging, which in turn is building pressue w/in the system. It should cycle on and off as you are explaining, but maybe every 5 seconds is pretty fast, which inturn means that you may be low on freon, but if it is blowing cold, then you're still good. Mine cycles probably about every 10-15 seconds as a comparison, although I've never actually timed it.

 

They cycle more often the colder the temperature is. You could have the dealer hook it up to a set of gauges and see if it is properly charged. Well, ANY A/C specialist could check that for you. Actually, drive it to my place and we can hook it up to my gauge set!

 

Thanks for the replies guys, it just seemed like it was cycling rather quickly. If it really starts to get on my nerves I'll take it in.

 

I wouldn't wait. If it IS low on charge, the system could be damaged if not corrected.

 

i've been meaning to take mine into the dealership because the a/c wasnt working. Since i own a shop i figured id look at it first. Only had .28 lbs in the system and it takes almost 2 lbs (31oz). Simple fix, but frustrating, because even at my cost of refridgerant (its not called freon anymore, thats r12 just fyi) thats about $25-$30

EDIT: Before anyone asks, yes i did a vacuum test on it, lost no inches of pressure after sitting for 20 minutes, so it wasnt a leak, just filled (the .28 was basically from the lines of the a/c machine).

 

One thing I noticed after he made this post, is that he MAY be reffering to the slight clicking that seems to come from the behind the dash when in MAX A/C mode OR Normal with recirc on.

In normal mode (just depressing the A/C button, cooling the incoming air) I don't hear the click from behind the dash. The compressor cycling I can barely hear or feel. If I turn on recirc (by either pressing the button or moving to MAX A/C) I hear this click from what seems to be coming from behind the dash.

 

Mine happens every 10 or 15 seconds. It sounds like a pebble was kicked up and hit the undercarriage of my car. Like a metallic click.