Hello everyone, new member here. I have a 2003 Ram 1500 4x4 with the 5.7l engine. Other than a emissions valve issue I've had no problems with this truck since I bought it new in '03.
Here's my problem- The AC blows cold air at any speed above 15 or 20 mph. At idle the AC clutch won't stay engaged. It engages for 10 seconds and the releases for 10 seconds. As soon as you get up some speed the cold air will freeze your knuckles from the vents on either side of the steering wheel.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Regards,
mike

 

Sounds like the compressor might be going bad, maybe head to a junk yard or murrays, i think they only run around 100 bucks

 

You have prolly already answered this by saying you haven't had any other trouble but does your cruise control work properly?

 

Yes, the cruise control works just fine.
Thanks for your reply.

 

Compressor cycling is often an indicator of low coolant (Freon).

 

The compressor is supposed to cycle....check the condenser fan next to the radiator.

 

every ten seconds?

 

NO. Cycling that quickly is not right. First thing to check is the R134a coolant.

 

Somebody is learning... , but to be what you're thinking, it usually effects A/C operation all the time, not just at idle, but not always.


and to the OP: yeah, cycling off and on is normal at idle, but rapid cycling is an indication of low coolant level.
If this doesn't solve the issue, then the next step is to start looking for a small vacuum leak (what Bear was getting to - and if you don't know the association between your A/C and your Cruise Control, ask Bear)...

 

Thanks to all who posted. I will check the coolant level along with the condenser fan.