05 Navigator Compressor issue

[Navigating201]

First off, hello everyone, my name is Abe. Just bought an 05 Navigator. 145k miles...seems like it might have not been maintained too well...got a good deal on it so i may have rushed into buying.

that aside, my issue right now is with the AC compressor...seems like it comes on for about 4 seconds and then cuts off for a few seconds...and just keeps doing that.. anyone experience this? when it does come on it blows hot... hoping its an easy fix lol...i appreciate any input.

 

[sgtowing]

Usually when they cycle for short periods of time, they're low on freon.

 

[Navigating201]

Usually when they cycle for short periods of time, they're low on freon.

i figured that so i bought a can...the guage on the can says the level was fine after only a couple bursts..still cycling every few seconds and blowing hot

 

[stamp11127]

It is better to know the low and high side pressures, outside air temp and static charge in order to determine the current state of your system.
For DIY'ers you can use a set of gauges from Harbor Freight or Tooltopia for the pressure readings. The current systems that are in use today are sensitive to the amount of refrigerant they contain. It doesn't take much to overcharge a 134a system compared to the R12.

One thing the gauges will tell you is which pressure switch is opening and cycling the compressor.

 

[buildingdoc]

+1 on the gauges. Need more info to help diagnose. Also depending on how much ac work you plan on doing, you may want to just take it in and get the diagnosis for roughly $65. If your diagnosis involves recovery and vacuum... you can have them hold the refrigerant until you complete the repair.... then recharge when you are ready. Not too fair to the service guys, but we all know they aren't too fair with customers.