I noticed that my A/C will cycle on and off. When the compressor is engaged the car will produce very cold air. Regardless of ambient temps the AC will tend to cycle on for about 1-2 minutes or so and then cycle off for about 15 seconds or so, and it repeats this specific cycling duration all the time.

Is this normal behavior for this model year for the compessor to cycle this way or should the compressor generally always stay on when the AC system is operating?

Car is a 94 Accord LX (non Vtec) with automatic transmission.

Another bit of info. I can't remember if the compressor always cycled on and off like this. However I had the radiator replaced at a shop, and just after that time I did suddenly notice the cycling, but again I can't say for sure it it wasn't always performing that way.

I was wondering if there could be a thermoswitch/wiring that they damaged when reinstalling. Other than that my wild guess is that somehow the system is overfilled and excessive pressure is shutting the compressor off. Can't see how that would have happened unless the shop screwed with it although I didn't have them do anything with the AC.

Thanks for you help.

Just joined this site, great info.

 

Completely normal for the compressor to cycle on and off.

 

Thanks for the reply holmes.

Could you possibly give me the amount of duration time the compressor cycles on and off and what the ambient temp and humidity is when you time it?

Would be greatly appreciated.

 

There is a sensor that is placed on the AC evaporator itself that monitors these functions.

 

I don't believe it goes by the ac thermostat...it just uses the thermostat as a failsafe to turn it off when it gets too cold..

I believe it uses the ac switch...when the system pressure gets low enough it turns it back on and then turns it back off when it hits a certain higher pressure...

I'm not certain but this is what I noticed when I hooked up my manifold gauges before.

 

I actually do believe you are right. There is a sensor on the low pressure hardline near the front half of the sub frame. Ignore what I said earlier.

 

Just me but the the pressure switch is just that.....too low, protect the system.

The cycle of the compressor/system is by temp at the evap.