Why Does My Car Air Conditioner Keep Turning On and Off?

You're driving down the road on a hot day when you notice something odd.

Your car's air conditioner isn't maintaining a steady flow of cool air. Instead, it's cycling on and off.

This inconsistent performance isn't just frustrating—it's also a sign that something might be wrong with your AC system.

But don't panic just yet. We're here to help you understand why this might be happening and what you can do about it.

In this article, we'll take you through the main reasons why a car's air conditioner might turn on and off. We'll also give you some tips on troubleshooting the issue and preventing future problems.

Adjust air conditioner in car, Car Air Conditioner Turns On And Off - What Could Be Wrong?

Car Air Conditioner Turns On And Off - What Could Be Wrong?

One of the most common complaints with car air conditioning is that it will turn on and off. This can be frustrating, especially on a hot day. So let's take a look at what could be wrong.

Womans hands feeling the air conditioning in the car

Lack of Freon

If your car's air conditioner turns on and off, it could be due to the lack of freon. This typically happens when you need a recharge or if there has been a leak. However, a lack of freon can also result from a faulty ac expansion valve.

If lack of freon is causing your car's air conditioner to turn on and off intermittently, you will need to take it in for service.

Too Much Freon In Line

Automobile air conditioner freon can and test gauges under hood of car

Another reason your car's air conditioning turns on and off could be because there is too much freon in the line.

This can happen after a recent recharge or service, and it will quickly work its way out of the system.

To prevent this from happening again, you need to get your car's air conditioning checked and repaired immediately.

Blown Fuse

One of the most common reasons your car's A/C is turning on and off could be a faulty fuse.

If there is a blown fuse, your car's air conditioning will turn on and off intermittently until the correct fuse is replaced.

Bad Relay

A relay is a component that controls the car's electrical system. For example, if your car's air conditioning turns on and off frequently, then it could be due to a bad relay.

And yeah, you guessed it, you will need to get your car serviced to resolve this issue.

Faulty Blower Motor

Car air conditioning motor blower

Another common reason some people have had their car air conditioning turned on and off is that it could be due to a faulty blower motor.

This will typically cause the car's A/C to run continuously, even when not using it, which can drain your battery.

To resolve this issue, you will need to have the blower motor replaced at your earliest convenience.

Blocked Air Intake

If your car's air conditioning turns on and off, there could be a blocked air intake.

When this occurs, the condenser will overheat because it is not getting enough cool air to function properly. You need to have your car serviced as soon as possible.

Damaged Belt Or Hoses

Another potential cause for your car's air conditioning to turn on and off is that there could be a damaged belt or hoses in the A/C unit.

This can be caused by several things, such as an over-pressurized system due to a lack of freon or too much freon in the line. And yes, you will need to take your car for service as soon as possible.

Refrigerant Leak

One of the most common reasons why someone's air conditioner turns on and off could be a refrigerant leak.

If you notice a yellow-green liquid leaking from under your vehicle, then that is a sign you have a refrigerant leak.

If there is no refrigerant in the system, there won't be anything for the A/C unit to collect heat; thus, it will turn on and off frequently.

Broken Cooling Fans

Each car's A/C unit will come equipped with two cooling fans.

If you notice that one of the fans in your car's A/C unit isn't working, it could be another reason your car is turning on and off.

This can be caused by many different things, such as debris or an electrical issue. Have your car serviced to prevent this issue from happening again.

Bad Compressor

Broken air conditioning compressor

Another potential reason your car's air conditioning turns on and off could be a bad compressor.

However, this typically only happens when the cooling fans have failed or there is a huge drop in the system pressure from a lack of freon. You will need to have this issue checked out by a professional.

Bad Condensor

Car air conditioner condenser leaking

If the A/C system on your car is shutting on and off frequently, then it could be due to a bad condenser.

The condenser collects heat from the inside of the engine and transfers it into the outside air. If this area is not functioning correctly, your car's A/C will begin shutting on and off.

Fan Cycling Switch Malfunction

Another common reason someone's A/C unit turns on and off is that it could be due to a fan cycling switch malfunction.

This can happen when either fan fails to turn on, or the fan switch is stuck.

Why does my AC keep turning off after a few seconds?

One of the most common reasons why your car's air conditioner keeps turning off is due to a weak or faulty compressor.

If the compressor has gone out, then this will cause the A/C unit to shut down because there is no refrigerant left in it.

This can be caused by many things, such as a hole in the line or if the system has lost its refrigerant.

If you notice that your car's A/C unit is turning off after staying on for only a few seconds, it could be due to the open blend doors.

This will typically cause low air pressure inside the AC unit because nothing forces the air out.

How often should car AC cycle on and off?

Up close photo of a car air conditioning button

When car air conditioning works correctly, it cycles on and off every 15 to 20 minutes. If the A/C unit is turning on and off more often, this can be a sign of an electrical issue or low voltage in your car's battery.

Another reason your car's air conditioner is cycling more frequently is the fans being obstructed. If they are not working correctly, this will cause the A/C unit to shut off while driving.

Finally, the car's A/C is cycling on and off more frequently due to a faulty or malfunctioning fan cycling switch. This is another common reason your air conditioner constantly turns on and off while driving.

Why does my car AC take a while to turn on?

If you notice that your vehicle's air conditioning takes a few minutes to turn on, there could be an electrical issue.

This will typically only happen if the battery has recently been jump-started or has low battery voltage.

In addition, the issue could also be due to malfunctioning blend doors or weak compressors. If you notice a delay in the air blowing, this is another sign that your compressor could be weak.

Lastly, heat coolant valves can malfunction, causing the A/C to delay when turning on.

If this is the problem, you will need a professional to have these parts replaced.

Car mechanic measuring the coolant and cooling liquid in the car

How do I know if my car's AC fuse is blown?

Typically, you will have to get out your owner's manual to determine which fuse controls the air conditioning.

However, if you cannot find your owner's manual, this is another problem that needs to be considered by a professional.

You can also take a look at your car's fuses under the hood by removing the cover. If there is a blown fuse, this will be easy to spot, as it will have blackened metal on the wire. You can take a voltage reading on these fuses to confirm that the A/C fuse is blown.

Why is my car AC cool but not cold?

Car owner turning up the cooling of the car

Typically this is due to the thermostat being stuck open. This will cause your A/C unit to blow air before it has reached its full cooling power.

Another reason your car's A/C might not be cold is that it could be due to an electrical issue, refrigerant leaks, or the compressor has gone out.

Lastly, the issue could also be a clogged air filter, bad cooling fan, or radiator issues.

How often should you recharge your car AC?

Car battery charger connected to the car batteries

Since it depends on your driving conditions, you should recharge the car AC every one to two years.

If you drive more often or in hotter climates, this will need to be done more frequently. Another sign that you may need to recharge the A/C is any leaks in the system.

Final Thoughts

If you are getting any of these issues, a professional mechanic must fix your car's air conditioner. These repairs are not difficult, but professionals should only perform them to last for many years.

An air conditioning button toggled in off, Car Air Conditioner Turns On And Off - What Could Be Wrong?

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One comment

  1. My AC will come on and work just fine then the blower motor will just stop in a minute or 2 it will come back on blow for a bit then stop again. And it can be very hot inside the cab. Now it’s a 06 GMC Sierra 1500 duel climate controll any help would be very appricated thank you in advance and GOD BLESS

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