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JerryM
Dodge Dakota
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11/30/2004
17:44:59

Subject: AC compressor cycling
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Message:
Hello,

I noticed on my 2000 4.7 liter that when running at idle with the AC and windshield defroster off, the AC compressor clutch was kicking on and off.

Does anyone know if this is normal?

Thanks



adam
Dodge Dakota
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11/30/2004
22:07:10

RE: AC compressor cycling
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I have an '03 QC 4.7 v8 and the a/c unit will cycle when it's set to defrost and high heat on the temp gauge, a/c off. I read a post last night that talked about pulling the a/c defrost fuse # 24 (on the my truck) during the winter months to keep the a/c from cycling. I pulled it this evening and it disabled the cycling. From what I observed the heat worked just fine and all other functions are working properly. Hope this helps.



peedee
Dodge Dakota
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12/01/2004
14:07:37

RE: AC compressor cycling
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it is not normal for the compressor to run if the defrost is not on or of course when calling for cooling. I don't really have an answer as to why, but it could be something with the actual selector on the dash. If it is cycling then the sensor is working fine. Of course you don't have to be exactly on the "def" position and can be one space over for it to work in def, so the switch could be a bit off. Try dialing over a couple of notches and see if it still happens.
As for the disconnecting the wire, etc. Really bad idea. The defrost runs the compressor for two reasons. One, so that there is dehumidification of air that hits the windshield and two so that the seals in the refrigeration system do not dry out and let the refrigerant escape.



JerryM
Dodge Dakota
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12/01/2004
17:46:51

RE: AC compressor cycling
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Guy's

Thanks for the responses, we will do anything to try and improve mileage.

I changed the selector switch on the dash to all positions one at a time and observed the AC compressor. I noticed that when the AC, and defrost modes are selected, the AC compressor kicks on as normal.

What surprised me is when I selected the position to when just air comes from the top and bottom vents together, the AC also kicked on.

When I selected the positions one at a time for the air to come out of either the top or bottom, the AC did not cycle on.

Not sure why, I always even in winter and summer would select the position for air from both vents. Now I plan on selecting either top or bottom position selector and see what effect that might have on my gas mileage.

Sorry if this is a little confusing. Give it a try on your Dakotas and see what you come up with.

The bottom line for me, I think the AC was always cycling on and off.



mopar rules
Dodge Dakota
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12/01/2004
21:40:24

RE: AC compressor cycling
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hey when it cycles on and off the a/c fluid is
low usually. because the compressor wont
come on unless it has enough, see where im
going with this? the compressor cuts off for a
second because it thinks it doesnt have
enough then comes on because it then thinks
it has enough, so on and so forth.



NEWSOL
Dodge Dakota
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12/02/2004
14:57:13

RE: AC compressor cycling
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yes, thats correct (compressor operation description) But why does it cycle w/ the heater on? I have no clue either, my dak '00 4.7L does
the same thing heat or a/c on the compressor
cycles and it is not low on refrigerant.
I also would not recmd pulling the fuse , cause
the front seals on a/c compressor do need lube often and recmd to use a/c for a couple of minutes all year round to keep that seal lubed or it will dry out and leak and now you need a compressor. (could save you a lot of money, ex. replacing a/c compressor instead of running a/c for a couple of minutes year round)
thx for the info guys!



Tony
Dodge Dakota
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12/03/2004
01:56:27

RE: AC compressor cycling
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It's normal on most newer cars. I just unplug mine. The connector is on the driver side of motor on top of the valve cover a bit. Follow the wire from the A/C compressor. Eventually, I'll wire up a switch in the cab.

The reason being is to keep the O-rings lubed so they don't crack & leak freon.



not quite
Dodge Dakota
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12/03/2004
10:37:34

RE: AC compressor cycling
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Actualy, Freon (R-12) hasn't been used in years. The R-134a systems typicaly use silicon o-rings that don't 'dry out'.



Atlantic Blue
Dodge Dakota
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12/03/2004
13:11:09

RE: AC compressor cycling
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I had an '02 3.9 where the dot to the right of the floor only selection would not activate the AC even though air was coming out of the windshield defrost vents. I used to use this position to clear the windshield without using the AC.
I now have an '03 4.7 where the AC will come on in any of the windshield defrost positions, I think there's four. It will not come on in any of the other positions unless I manually select AC.




RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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12/03/2004
13:20:31

RE: AC compressor cycling
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This subject has been talked about before guys.
Do a search for RadioMan.. You'll find what I have
done about this cycling problem.

It's an easy thing to stop during the winter
months when air cond. is not needed.




daffydak
GenIII
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12/03/2004
14:21:22

RE: AC compressor cycling
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I'm going to agree with pedee... I think the reason it cylles in defrost, is to remove moisture from the air (to reduce condensation)

My a/c compressor runs in all but the "vent" and "floor" settings.. And it helps with the low 4.7L idle too....

Just my .02.



Dan

MOPAR=More Power!!

00 CC Sport Plus 4.7L 4X4 Auto, 3:55 LSD
Flowmaster orig. 40 series (2 chamber) muffler, adjusted tps to .76V, ported TB, home brew intake setup w/K&N filter, more mods to come!!!

Richard
Dodge Dakota
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6/08/2008
10:18:38

RE: AC compressor cycling
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hi guy's the reason for the ac cycle run's is to keep the refrigerant's oil's lubricating the seal's when you disable the unit for a length of time you will be replacing seal more often the seal's do not cost to much but if you have to pay someone to install the seal it can get costly and you do have to be licensed to do this job plus the right tool's




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