960 AC compressor excessive cycling

mikemah1 · Post by **mikemah1** » 24 Aug 2009, 11:12

1997 960 - I can hear the the AC clutch cycle on/off every 2-3 seconds when I'm sitting in traffic (loud click) - when driving I can't tell if it is doing the same or not. I read this could be due to low freon - it was low and I had it recharged. The AC works great but the clicking still occurs. Any ideas?

Post by **billofdurham** » 24 Aug 2009, 12:14

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

I read this could be due to low freon - it was low and I had it recharged.

Who recharged it and was the system checked using low and high side gauges?

The system is designed to cycle the compressor on and off but 2-3 seconds seems excessive. However, many factors have to be considered and the AC system looks at, among other things, temperature and demand. If it's running in cooler conditions (outside air temperature), it will cycle more frequently. If you have the blower speed set on low (low demand), then it will cycle more frequently. So, you may not have a problem. The real test is when you get a warm sunny day, the interior is hot and you have it set on MAX and high blow. If it cycles then and the air temperature at the vent is not cold, it's probably still low on refrigerant and should be checked by a good air conditioning shop.

Bill.