Reasons for Frequent 10-Second Starts of Car Air Conditioning
3 Answers
Reasons and solutions for frequent starts of car air conditioning: 1. Engagement of the car air conditioning's energy-saving mode: The energy-saving mode is similar to a household refrigerator. When it self-checks and reaches the set temperature target, it shuts off the compressor to stop working, achieving energy-saving effects. When the temperature rises and deviates from the set temperature, it restarts to bring the temperature back on track. Many Japanese car models have this energy-saving mode, which is a normal phenomenon and does not indicate a problem with the compressor. 2. High exhaust pressure and low suction pressure: The presence of moisture in the system can cause pipe blockages, leading to icing. This can be repaired by flushing the pipes with high-pressure nitrogen. Blockages inside the expansion valve can also affect suction and exhaust pressures. Adjust the suction pressure by increasing the opening of the expansion valve and reduce the exhaust pressure by increasing the cooling water flow. 3. Insufficient or excessive refrigerant: The amount of refrigerant determines the system pressure, and abnormal pressure can cause frequent starts and stops of the compressor. Therefore, car owners should regularly check the remaining amount of refrigerant. 4. Relay setting limits are too high: If the high and low pressure limit values are set too high, the relay will automatically disconnect and stop working when the voltage slightly exceeds the limit. Adjust the high-pressure relay limit value appropriately and lower the low-pressure relay limit value.
I've encountered this issue where the AC compressor kicks in every 10 seconds quite often. The main reason is likely refrigerant leakage, causing significant system pressure fluctuations that trigger the protection mechanism to restart automatically. If the temperature sensor is aged or malfunctioning, it may falsely report cabin temperature, causing the compressor to cycle on and off repeatedly. Worn-out compressor clutch with poor contact leading to frequent engagement is another common factor. Electrical issues like stuck relays or short circuits could also be the culprit. This problem not only creates annoying noise that affects driving mood, but also increases fuel consumption and accelerates component wear. I remember one summer during a long-distance drive when this malfunction occurred - the cabin became stuffy and noisy until I visited a repair shop to replace the sensor and recharge the refrigerant. Regular AC system inspections are recommended for early prevention.
My car's air conditioning also had the strange issue of turning on every 10 seconds. The problem usually lies in the temperature control device—inaccurate temperature sensing and signal disruptions cause the compressor to restart repeatedly. When refrigerant is insufficient, rapid pressure changes make the protection switch act frequently, leading to short-lived on-off cycles of the compressor. Poor circuit connections, such as loose plugs causing unstable current, are also culprits. This behavior not only makes driving uncomfortable and reduces cooling efficiency but can also easily trigger other malfunctions. Once, on a hot day, I encountered trapped heat inside the car, and the mechanic said repairing the refrigerant leak resolved the issue. It’s advised not to overlook minor abnormalities and to seek early maintenance.
