AC Problem?

[pikuoff]

I have a 2001 Mustang GT with about 35k on the clock. The other day, I was cruising down the interstate with the AC on and every 10-15 seconds or so, I would feel a little jerk or hesitation with a tick sound. I turned the AC off and it stopped. I put it on just defrost and then defrost/floor and it did it again. It doesn't do it with regular vent and just floor. The AC blows really cold still. What could be causing this?

On a side note, the light that makes the AC/Heat controls glow is out. Is there an easy way to replace that? Could it just be a fuse or would something else not be working if it was a fuse?

Thanks!

 

[Mirrahasmycar]

that sounds pretty normal, its just the way the A/C works, the hesitation is fine as long as its not stalling out

 

[squares98]

i hate ford a/c's but what can we do...

 

[forpit2000gt]

when you turn on defrost, the ac cuts on as well. it just blows out the defrost vents. It sounds like it may be a little low but may be normal.

 

[pikuoff]

I can understand when first turning on the AC but what about driving down the road? It does it every 20 seconds or so and you can feel it and hear it. I don't think that is normal?

 

[forpit2000gt]

ac cycling on and off usually means low on R134.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Another vote for "low freon makes it kick on and off", get it checked...

 

[pikuoff]

Thanks for the help. I'll get it checked out this week. I didn't think it would be low since I just bought it last week from a Ford dealership and the fact that it blows ice cold. I was just hoping it was something I could take care of myself.

 

[forpit2000gt]

Thanks for the help. I'll get it checked out this week. I didn't think it would be low since I just bought it last week from a Ford dealership and the fact that it blows ice cold. I was just hoping it was something I could take care of myself.

depending on the dealership they may take care of it for you. Someone with a set of guages can tell fast.

 

[fudleyd]

I had the same problem in my car--it would stumble occasionally with the ac on. It ended up being the ac compressor clutch or switch. I had it replaced under warranty and the problem has not returned since. Just another possibility...

 

[Dan_Soprano]

Goog stuff guys!

 

[nex2nutin]

I had the same problem in my car--it would stumble occasionally with the ac on. It ended up being the ac compressor clutch or switch. I had it replaced under warranty and the problem has not returned since. Just another possibility...

I agree with the a/c clutch. it might me sticking causing the belt to slip. It is supposed to cylce like you said thats how it regulates the pressure to the evaporator.

freon should never go low its a sealed system, if it low you have a leak that needs to be fixed.

 

[forpit2000gt]

it is a sealed system but if you don't run it for extended periods of time it can leak down slowly and when you start to use it again it will not leak. I've seen some that get a little gas in the spring and last for a year. If its low, ask them to add refridgerant with dye so you can find where it it leaking down.