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Intermittent Compressor Short Cycling

md1282 on Wed October 23, 2013 8:25 PM User is offline

Year: 2010
Make: Honda
Model: Accord
Country of Origin: United States

I've noticed recently that my compressor is short cycling. At first I thought it was due to low charge but it is not happening all the time. More often than not the compressor and fans will cycle about 4-7 seconds off, 7 - 10 seconds on, but sometimes will run constantly. Could this still indicate low charge if not happening all the time or could it be another issue?

trail rated on Wed October 23, 2013 11:12 PM User is offline

That seems like normal cycling for low fan speeds and/or cool temperatures. This is especially true if the econ button is on.

md1282 on Thu October 24, 2013 8:20 PM User is offline

Could it really be normal to cycle that many times a minute? Wouldn't that wear out the compressor?

iceman2555 on Thu October 24, 2013 8:42 PM User is offlineView users profile

Considering the age of your vehicle....why not have the system properly serviced and then evaluate the possible problem. Cycling of the compressor is not a safety concern on the low side. This is a control function to prevent evaporator freeze up. Hi pressure cycling is another issue...yes, some vehicle will employ the use of HPCO switch to prevent excessive pressure build up. This is a system protection device.
Also ambient temps and evap heat loads effect cycling points.
Best diagnosis procedure is to know the system is properly recharged....then evaluate the system. Stop the guessing....know for sure.

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trail rated on Thu October 24, 2013 9:42 PM User is offline

Quote
Originally posted by: md1282
Could it really be normal to cycle that many times a minute? Wouldn't that wear out the compressor?

No, it doesn't wear out the compressor. The clutch cycles even more frequently when driving at high speeds.

Your car has a type of system that requires the compressor be cycled on and off to prevent the cooling matrix from freezing. That's just the way the system controls capacity.

You can have the system checked if it makes you feel better, but what you describe is normal operation.

Chick on Sat October 26, 2013 2:18 PM User is offlineView users profile

You don't give the ambient temp it's cycling at? if it's cold, it may cycle that much, otherwise it's not normal,you have a drier/expansion valve system that cycles very little if at all during hot weather...Have your pressures checked and note the pressures it cycles at.. If just the compressor is cycling, you could need a simple clutch gap adjustment.. More information is needed...

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Chick
Email: Chick

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