99 b2500, had it about a week, it was idling in the driveway today and i could swear i kept hearing the compressor clicking on and off. checked the air control and it was on heat, no defrost just blowing. popped the hood, and sure enough every 10 seconds or so the compressor keeps kicking on, off, on, off. kept happening no matter what position you were on in the switch. in fact i think the compressor cycles when the fan is on "off." anyone know what's doing that?

 

Any time the compressor cycles that means that you are low or out of freon. I would suggest going to Auto zone or another part store and get a can of freon with the gage on it and hook it up to the high side tube and it will tell you if you need some or not. if you need some then turn the AC on max AC and turn the speed **** to hi and open the valve and the AC will take in the freon. Leave the valve open till the compressor stops cycling.

 

The Compresser is doing what is known as a Quick Cycling. means you need R-134a. probably a can of it or so.

 

If the controls are in the off position, the compressor will cycle on and off sometimes to keep the freon moving and the seals from dry rotting.

If it is in the a/c or defrost position and it is cycling fast...then its low

if it continues the cycling all the time with the switch off, there is something wrong with the AC clutch relay or the selector switch

 

The A/C system runs in every position execpt for panel and floor only. Even if the A/C is off, it still is operational during pnl/flr, def, and def/flr

 

OK, guess I'll go for a recharge n see if that helps. BTW, i double-checked and it does not cycle in the off position, so i guess that's good. KC, are you saying what is happening is normal, that even if i'm just on the "vent" settings, not the AC/Max AC or defrost, the compressor should still run, unless im on ONLY panel or ONLY floor settings?

Thanks for the quick replies guys, i want to straighten this out soon, im guessing its costing me a little bit of MPGs and horsepower having that thing cycle so often.

 

Not meaning to thread-jack, but my Ranger is 18 years old, and the A/C still blows ICE cold.

I have never checked the Freon levels, but can it still blow cold like this if it was low? I have always thought of recharging it since its never been done, but not sure if I need to.

 

why is it on for the panel/floor combo position tho? There are separate positions for the A/C settings...why would they do this?

 

Removes moisture from the air.

 

Very handy in the winter time!

 

^this. ranger pumps are almost always cycling in any position except vent. took my mechanical fan off and use this as my convenient factory on/off switch for the electric fan in case it ever gets too hot.

 

I know this is an older thread, but I have a different problem... My condensor wont turn off...at all. It engages even when the truck is off therefore running down my battery. Any ideas what this could be? Thank you in advance for your responses.

 

Check the fuse / relay box under the hood on the drivers side .
Pull out the relay for the A/C . If that stops it , you need a new relay.

 

You can install a switch to get your ac compressor off, there is a thread on how to do it. ITs not just goood truck.