OK, so now my truck has 1700 miles on it, and this A/C thing is driving me crazy. First of all the clutch is very noisy, and it cycles like every 30-45 seconds at highway speeds, regardless of the temerature setting. I noticed this morning, the AC clutch kicks in and out even when only defrost is on with no AC. BUT, the most annoying thing of all is that at around 2000 rpm (70-75mph) I can not only hear the clutch engage, but feel a noticeable power drain each time it spools up. It feels like I run through a puddle of water at 70 mph. It drives me nuts. Does any one else share my pain. I think it's about to make my first trip to the service department...

 

I would get it in pigg, sounds like its low on charge. The compressor will cycle when in defrost mode, that is normal.

 

I had never noticed the cycle on any other vehicle Ive had while on defrost, but then the other clutches I've had could not be heard in the cab either. I think it's going in, low charge seems to be the consensus from those I've talked to. Thanks for the reply.

 

Its like any other AC system. Sealed. if its low, its probably leaking.

 

With the engine turning ~2000 rpm at highway speeds, you better hope the clutch cycles every 30-45 seconds. Unless these trucks are equipped with a varaible compressor it will do this. When it is cycling every 10 seconds or so, that's when you got a problem. Mine cycles probably every 30-45 seconds when I'm cruising and it was cold as ice today and it was about 85 out with high humidity (it rained shortly after). It was so cold I had to turn it down!!!! I can hear it click if I have my radio off and I am listeing for it, but I feel NOTHING. Cruise on, I feel no difference in power, just hear a click. So if you are feeling a big drain in power, you may have a problem.

 

My '88 F150 5.0 had similar issues. And I pulled trailers with that truck for most of it's service life. Too many times I had to choose between acceptable power or cold air. After 4 years the AC died completely. I was told it was a bad compressor but I never got it fixed, didn't want to give up the horsepower.

My last two trucks work normally and I never feel any power loss with the AC running. Back then I didn't know any better, I thought it was normal for the AC to suck what felt like 40-50 horsepower off the motor. Today I would not accept that. I'd push for a new compressor (or whatever it takes for the AC to work normally).

 

The truck is at the dealership today, Ill let you all know what they say. I do not really feel a horsepower loss, just a momentary lurch when it kicks in. My brother works in the service dept, so I let him drive mine in, and I drove his 04 with 4.6L, could never feel the truck move whatsoever when his A/C clutch engaged. I'm hoping they actually fix something, and dont try to tell me it's normal, because I know it's not. It is annoying, and has so far tarnished an otherwise awesome truck. Cant wait to drive it at 100%.

 

Update. According to Ford, there is nothing wrong with the truck. Great, it's good to know I will be putting up with this for the next 100,000 miles...
They said the technician drove it and could not get it to do it, so I guess I'll just have to drive with the windows down, or learn to live with it.

 

seems like the problem never shows up when the technician drives them. At least its always been like that for me. sorry to hear they didnt find a problem, I know you was hoping they would and fix it.