Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

Hello all,
I am working on a 96 Dodge Ram van 3500 with a 318. It sounds like the compressor is clicking on and off all the time.
I had the R134 checked twice and it is full and pressures are fine.
I replaced the high and low pressure switches in the lines.
It still is clicking. It blows nice cold air, but cycles a lot.
My local shop has tapped out!
Any ideas? Maybe another pressure switch somewhere? Bad compressor?
Jeff

Would not hurt to check the AC clutch gap.

Had the gap issue on my '98 Frontier last summer, removed one shim to fix.

It has only been checked by gauges. How do the check refrigerant weight? Would they evacuate the system then put in specified weight?

I will research the the gap. I do not know anything about it.

Thanks for the replies,
Jeff

Cusser is on track with suggesting the clutch gap might be too wide. If the proper charge level is confirmed. This would be my first area of concern.

You also need to have someone reclaim the refrigerant, evacuate the system, and recharge by weight. Then see what the readings are.

OK. I will look at all of that.

Also thinking maybe failing expansion valve?

Also read about a clogged screen somewhere in the system? But cannot find it on the internet again.

Pressure readings surely will help us with a diagnosis. Do you have a manifold gauge set that you can hook up?

My neighbor has one. I will borrow it in the next day or so.

When you're testing the pressures, have the engine at about 1,800 RPM, windows and doors open, blower on medium speed, and A/C on normal. This is to get the compressor pumping sufficiently and to maximize the heat load on the system. Be sure to record the pressures while the compressor is running and not after it clicks off. Also record the ambient temperature just in front of the grille, not what the weather report says.