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ac compressor trying to engage when heater is on?

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Old 03-12-2010, 10:36 PM
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Default ac compressor trying to engage when heater is on?

Hi guys, after letting the car seat for about a week I turned it on and opened the hood and I noticed that I would hear a click and then the ac compressor would engage for about 3 seconds and then disengage, it would continue to do this until you turned the heater off(I did not have the ac on). Once the blower inside the car was off it would not try to engage.
I decided to try and see if the ac worked and it did not (the light on the button kept flashing and the compressor would engage and disengage every 3 seconds). Any idea to what this could be? the ac worked fine last year. Thanks for the help in advance.
 
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Old 03-12-2010, 11:40 PM
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As far as I know, the ac compresser will cycle on and off while the defrost is on to dry the air to defog the windshield. Its a usual chevy thing.

Also, You may need to add some refrigerant to get the regular AC working again. It will not even try to work if there is inadequate pressure in the system.
 
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Old 03-12-2010, 11:47 PM
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how should I check the pressure on the system?What kind of refrigerant does the blazer use?Anything special to recharging the system? Thanks!!!

And will the compressor actually cycle for only about 3 seconds???
So in conclusion, that behavior of cycling is actually normal and most likely I am low in coolant hence why the ac does not want to kick in when I turn it on? I am in the right track???Thanks
 

Last edited by swartlkk; 03-13-2010 at 08:40 AM. Reason: *Combining Consecutive Posts* - Please use the EDIT function to add additional information to your post if another member has yet to reply.
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Old 03-13-2010, 08:41 AM
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Cycling on for only 3 seconds is an indication of a low charge. You can try a DIY recharge kit from your favorite autoparts store. You may need a few cans to bring it up to proper charge.
 
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Old 03-13-2010, 09:02 AM
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ok, so how do I know how many additional cans of refrigerant do I need to add?
 
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Old 03-13-2010, 09:09 AM
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your system should use R-134a refridgerant . the DIY kits come with a gauge attached to give you a close reading . if its cycling it will probably take take one can. but your real problem is why is it leaking and where?
just adding more freon will get you working for a short while but its gonna leak out again.
 
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Old 03-13-2010, 11:49 AM
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Unless you have deep pockets, and you REALLY love your truck I wouldn't worry to much about repairing it as it can get very expensive. I have had cars in the past that did this, my Jeep is this way also. I just add a can of freon/134a depending on what your vehicle requires in the summer. It will usually last till the next summer in most cases unless it is a big leak. A can of freon/134a is really cheap compared to A/C repairs. Just be safe while doing it, and BE SURE you add it to the correct side of the system, usually it is the low pressure side. Most "gauge kits" won't let you connect it to the wrong port, but check to be sure. Follow the directions on the can and you will be cool! Pun intended.
 
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Old 03-13-2010, 11:57 AM
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[quote=ChrisC;311539]As far as I know, the ac compresser will cycle on and off while the defrost is on to dry the air to defog the windshield. Its a usual chevy thing.

its not just a chevy thing. all newer vehicles do it. its to run the compressor during the winter months when its not being used. otherwise the ac compressor would not work in the summer like its intended for
 
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Old 03-13-2010, 12:11 PM
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all right guys I will recharge it and let it be. thanks for all the help.
 
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Old 03-13-2010, 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by ChrisC
As far as I know, the ac compresser will cycle on and off while the defrost is on to dry the air to defog the windshield. Its a usual chevy thing...
Originally Posted by Spectreblazer
its not just a chevy thing. all newer vehicles do it. its to run the compressor during the winter months when its not being used. otherwise the ac compressor would not work in the summer like its intended for
The reason for it is like Chris said, "to dry the air". Keeping the a/c system functional is merely a side benefit by helping to prevent the seals from drying out from non-use.
 


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