Hey guys. I've searched around and can't find anything on this. I'm not an AC guy so this could totally be normal operation. When I have the AC on, it sounds like the compressor(?) kicks in for a few seconds then cuts off and continues that cycle for the duration. Is this normal? Thanks in advance!!!

 

Sounds like it low on freon. Depending on the year you either need a r134 conversion or you can just top it off.

 

Not sure about XJ's specifically, but compressors do normally cycle on/off in cars. Once a certain pressure is reached the compressor kicks off until it gets down to a certain pressure and it kicks back on. It shouldn't happen excessively though.

 

Oh yeah...this one happens excessively. I'll check the pressure and see if it needs a refill. I'll update as soon as that's done. Thanks again guys!

 

Your system has a sight glass in the receiver/dryer turn system on if you see bubbles it's low. Add Freon till bubbles clear up. If you don't know air make sure you add Freon on the low presser side. Auto Zone stores will help you.

 

Ditto on it being low on freon, that's typically the symptom you'll get along with poor cooling. (This time of year you probably would not notice the latter.) Really it should be charged up using a full gauge set to keep an eye on pressures. There are plenty of youtube videos showing how to do it.

My compressor cycles frequently as well, I'm not surprised since there were no caps on the fittings when I bought this vehicle and the schrader valves can't be counted on to seal 100%. Surprisingly the AC still cools well, at least in the mid-to-upper 70s type max temperatures we've seen in the last month. (I've since installed caps but probably won't bother topping up the system until spring at this point.)

 

Topped off the R134 and it works like a charm. Actually Rambler65 I'm in Hawaii so AC upkeep is a yearly thing. Although my windows get more work than my AC. The AC is more for my daughter. Thanks again guys for all your help!