Proper air conditioner operation

[Al 03VibeGT]

I've been fumbling with this since last year when I began noticing the a/c was not very cold.I have already done the insulation mod and checked the temperature door for correct seal. I've checked the 134a level, and added some. It's now running at about 40 on the low side, and 190 on the high side at 75 degrees ambient temperature. My question pertains to the cycle switch. Does you compressor cycle on and off, or remain on constantly, regardless of the recirc (MAX A/C) button? I've noticed that my compressor runs constantly, but am not sure if this is the way the system is supposed to operate.

[ToolGuy]

I would have to check mine tonight to be sure... Sounds normal to me though. Are you asking if there is a max AC button? If so, you need to press both the AC and Recirc buttons in together to have Max AC. Also, is your cabin air filter clean and new?

[Al 03VibeGT]

All the basics have been checked.My question is not the function of the button, but does the compressor cycle on/off or remain on constant? I can hear the clutch engage, but it remains engaged until I shut the a/c off. On my other car, the compressor cycles on and off. I know this depends on the type of system, but what I do not know is if the Vibe/Matrix system is supposed to cycle the compressor or leave it on constant.If it's supposed to cycle, and mine isn't, it could indicate a problem with the sensor, which I believe is mounted on top of the drier canister behind the grill.

[Whelan]

It actually have a line on the Trix connecting the two recirc and A/C and tells you it's Max A/C in the middle.Personally I love the hot weather, so for me, open roof and windows and I'm golden!

[joatmon]

I don't know, can't find it in the book, and haven't needed to run the AC here yet. can't remember if it cycled last summer or not, but if nobody ponies up the info before then, I'll check it out the next time I start up the car, which may be tomorrow.and welcome back to active status, you dropped off the radar for about four years there,

[Al 03VibeGT]

Thanks...I've been a troll all these years. I spend most of my time working on my Trans Am so I'm usually on the F-Body.com forum.I appreciate the help...

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by Al 03VibeGT »I've been fumbling with this since last year when I began noticing the a/c was not very cold.I have already done the insulation mod and checked the temperature door for correct seal. I've checked the 134a level, and added some. It's now running at about 40 on the low side, and 190 on the high side at 75 degrees ambient temperature. My question pertains to the cycle switch. Does you compressor cycle on and off, or remain on constantly, regardless of the recirc (MAX A/C) button? I've noticed that my compressor runs constantly, but am not sure if this is the way the system is supposed to operate.Mine does not cycle on and off either. I believe this to be normal opperation for this system. everything else you report seems to be in normal opperation. very few cars i have seen that cycle the a/c except for higher end luxury types.

[kevera]

I don't see how it would cycle off/on.It's like a refrigerator,to blow cold air the pump has to be on.Unless your other car has climate control,your other car may have a problem.

[djb383]

Our '05 Vibe doesn't cycle.

[ColonelPanic]

I could have swore mine cycled, as the compressor would make nasty grinding or rattling noises that would come and go. But that car chewed up so many A/C compressors, it likely should not be used as a benchmark.

[Mario]

Your compressor will cycle depending on the demand for cooling. What is the supply air temperature?By the way, where did you get your hands on refrigerant? It disappoints me that unlicensed people top up their cir conditioning systems. Too much refrigerant will cause more harm to the compressor than good, not to mention it is dangerous.