Is It Normal for a Car's Air Conditioner to Start and Stop Frequently Within 10 Seconds?
2 Answers
It is normal for a car's air conditioner to start and stop frequently within 10 seconds. Here is a detailed explanation of the reasons why a car's air conditioner may start and stop frequently within 10 seconds: 1. Abnormal exhaust pressure: High or low exhaust pressure can cause moisture to block the pipeline, leading to icing. 2. Insufficient or excessive refrigerant: The amount of refrigerant determines the system pressure, and abnormal pressure can cause the compressor to start and stop frequently. 3. Excessive electrical-related restrictions: A car's air conditioner is an air conditioning device installed in a vehicle that can cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the cabin, improving driving safety. When electrical-related restrictions are too high, it may cause the car's air conditioner to start and stop frequently within 10 seconds.
I also encountered the issue of the AC repeatedly turning on and off while driving in summer, stopping every 10 seconds or so, which was extremely annoying. At first, I thought the compressor was failing, but the inspection revealed it was due to refrigerant leakage causing unstable pressure. The mechanic said the normal AC cycling interval should be around one to two minutes – anything more frequent definitely indicates a problem. This condition is especially damaging to the compressor and significantly increases fuel consumption, adding up to half a liter per 100 kilometers. Plus, the fluctuating cabin temperature makes for an uncomfortable ride. My advice is not to delay—get the refrigerant pressure, sensors, and electromagnetic clutch checked immediately, especially for cars over five years old, as they’re more prone to this issue. If you wait until the compressor completely fails, the repair costs could double.