When my AC tries to run, the compressor tries to kick on but won't stay running. The clutch starts to spin but then stops. It keeps doing this as long as it's switched to AC. I put a pressure gauge on the low side and it fluctuates from low to OK when to clutch kicks on and off. Am I low on refrigerant or something worse?

Thanks,
Jim

 

check the ac clutch for too much clearance. Common on 97s

 

You are low on fridge and that also means you have a leak in the system.

 

Torkum could be right. But you need to check the system over. The easy stuff is things like the clutch. Mine would cut in and out. Reset the clearance and its been good for 40k. Check wiring etc.
You need a pair of gauges. One for high and one for low. This will tell you if your compressing the r134a back into a liquid or your low on r134a. You could try a can from walmart to bring it back up to pressure, but it tough to tell too much or too little. Orifice tube clogged with cause short cycling too.

 

Torkum is correct. Compressor short-cycling is a sign of low charge.

Clogged orifice tube won't cause short-cycling, neither will a weak clutch or excessive air gap.

Steve