ac compressor not cycling?

[bap]

My AC on 96 Taurus wagon doesn't seem cold enough. It works but not enough to cool the car. Noticed today that there doesn't appear to be the telltale cycling you normally hear with compressor. System was recharged recently to 25psi. Suggestions?

[rivguy]

either the charge has leaked out or never got enough charge to work properly

[shorod]

Also, since your 1996 would be the R-134a system, and overcharge condition could also cause poor performance. In an R-134a system, undercharging and over-charging yield similar symptoms.

What is the compressor cycling duty cycle (time on compared with time off)?

-Rod

[RickMN]

Rod is right on the money about the charge volume. The "window" on over/under charging on R-134a is less than 3 ounces. The DIY kits are only accurate to within about 3/4 lb. Plus, the pressure varies depending on the outside temp when you charge the vehicle. My guess is that you're overcharged, so the compressor isn't cycling and the overcharge condition is why you're not cooling.

[Mediarocker543]

Originally Posted by RickMN

Rod is right on the money about the charge volume. The "window" on over/under charging on R-134a is less than 3 ounces. The DIY kits are only accurate to within about 3/4 lb. Plus, the pressure varies depending on the outside temp when you charge the vehicle. My guess is that you're overcharged, so the compressor isn't cycling and the overcharge condition is why you're not cooling.

Had the same problem, Took 1 DIY Leak stop by Interdynamics and 3 cans of DIY 134a+ by Interdynamics. Now it cools within 6-9 seconds

Just dropping some input from personal experience.