Hey guys I've tried a little search on this but no definite answer as to if I really have a problem or not. I have realized that when i turn my a/c on the compressor quickly starts cycling. Maybe about 5-10 seconds between cycles.

I have heard that if it keeps cycling that means that it is low on free on. But today i put a gauge on it and as it was cycling the gauge would quickly rise and once it got to about 50psi it would click and then the gauge would quickly drop all the way down, then it would click again and quickly rise again, and would continue to do this.

Now let me first say that I have cold air. My a/c works and I get cold air out of the vents. Second I havent really noticed if the compressor is on or off the when the pressure is rising. I guess if the compressor comes on and it is low that will make the gauge drop, and I believe if the the pressure is too low the compressor will turn off correct? Causing the pressure to rise again? Someone let me know if this is correct, last thing I want to do is over fill it and then have to do an evac.

Also this may be a completely newb question but what is the difference between the a/c function and max a/c?

 

I believe the max ac setting will leave the compressor running constantly and not cycle on-off. Colder air.

I have another question regarding the a/c compressor cycling. In all my past vehicles the ac compressor would only turn on when You had either the a/c on or the defroster, or floor/defrost combo. It seems that in my truck the compressor will cycle in every setting of my climate controls except for vent only. There is no reason for the compressor to run if I have the heat on the floor.
Is this normal for our trucks or do I need to check some wiring?

 

Max AC recirculates the air in the cabin.

 

this is normal for rangers every thing except just vent will cycle the ac pump periodically. if your truck has an e-fan it kicks on with the ac as it cycles.