Expert: Candido Figueroa - 12/14/2009

Question
My engine runs fine until I turn on the heater-A/C switch and then I hear a clicking sound every 15 seconds or so.  Upon looking in the engine compartment I discovered that the A/C compressor is short cycling on and off.  From previous discussions I'm thinking that it's because the freon charge is low.  Just would like to verify that the short cycling would occur, due to that, even when the temperature control is in the high heat position and the heat is being sent to the floor not the windshield defroster.  I don't understand why in that case the A/C compressor is coming on at all.
Also, I thought I heard a while back that R-134 is going to be outlawed in 2010 and recharging those systems will be much more costly if one waits to do so until then.  Is that true?
Thanks,
Doug

Answer
Hi Doug

You need to check your condenser fan motor.  Make sure it turn on when you turns on your compressor.  Get me some pressure readings and I'll help.  As to the refrigerant we still do not know but it will not be outlawed.  The car companies are under pressure from the government to change but no new refrigerant as of Nov. 2009.