Why does the car air conditioner start and stop intermittently?
2 Answers
Compressor intermittently working and stopping is because the air conditioner's compressor automatically starts or stops based on the set temperature, rather than running continuously. This intermittent operation is a protective phenomenon of the compressor, representing the recovery time of the compressor's thermal protector. Typically, it only takes from a dozen to several dozen minutes. However, after prolonged use, these values may change. Relevant information about car air conditioners is as follows: 1. Introduction: The car air conditioning device (air-conditioning-device) is referred to as car air conditioning. 2. Function: It is used to adjust and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and air flow inside the car cabin to the optimal state, providing a comfortable riding environment for passengers and reducing travel fatigue; it creates good working conditions for the driver and plays an important role in ensuring safe driving as a ventilation device.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered this issue of the AC turning on and off intermittently several times myself. I remember one summer during a long trip when the AC suddenly started cycling on and off – it turned out to be low-pressure protection caused by refrigerant leakage. When system pressure becomes unstable, the compressor automatically shuts down to prevent damage. Another common cause is poor contact in the compressor clutch, where aged coils can't maintain proper engagement, especially when driving on bumpy roads. It could also be due to a stuck cooling fan or excessively dirty condenser causing poor heat dissipation and overheating, leading to the AC cycling. After parking, I'd suggest checking if the cooling fan can rotate freely. Feel the temperature difference between the high and low-pressure AC lines – a significant difference indicates refrigerant issues. Address it early for peace of mind, otherwise prolonged neglect could lead to compressor failure requiring expensive repairs.
