A/C Surging

[CowboyGX]

First post, long time lurker and new owner of a 2006 GX. Love the new ride and look forward to some mild overland style upgrades in the near future.

My question revolves around the air conditioning compressor. When cruising at highway speed I can actually feel the compressor kick on and off. It's noticeable enough that I have to adjust my throttle position to keep a constant speed. Is this normal for these trucks? I understand it has a large compressor due to the rear A/C but I've never had a vehicle where I could feel it like this one. I'm moving from an FJ Cruiser and had Jeeps before that. Doesn't seem correct to me, but maybe I'm wrong. A/C works great BTW, been near 100 here locally and it has no issue cooling the vehicle.

 

[The Great Him]

sounds like its overcharged slightly and building too much pressure...

 

[mercedeezel]

our GX does the samething. initially, i thought the compressor might be on it's last legs. but that was when we purchased it back in 2013. it's been the same way since so i figure it's the nature of the beast.

 

[Nothinghead]

sounds like its overcharged slightly and building too much pressure...

^this

I had the same thing last summer. It's probably best to get it professionally serviced with the proper equipment.

 

[CowboyGX]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll put a set of gauges on it and see where the pressures are setting. I didn't think about over charging it causing something like that. Makes me wonder if there's a small leak somewhere and the dealership over charged it to compensate. I've been running it for about 2 months now with no change in cooling temp so hopefully there isn't a leak. Over charging also can't be good for the compressor, definitely get on that soon.

 

[Nothinghead]

A blacklight might show you any leaks. I think that stuff has fluorescent indicator in it.

 

[Nothinghead]

A blacklight might show you any leaks. I think that stuff has fluorescent indicator in it.

 

[CowboyGX]

Well, I finally got around to getting a set of gauges on the GX. Can rent them at Auto Zone BTW. Pressures were right on the money, 34-36 on the low side and 205-210 or so on the high side. If anything it's a touch low on the high side. Since it's working great I left it as is. Any other ideas? Could there be something going on with the throttle not adjusting properly when it kicks on? What should the rpm jump to when it engages at idle? Mine only jumps 100rpm or so. 700 off and 800 with the AC on. Who knows, maybe I'm just being ultra sensitive to it since I haven't had it long? Maybe it's because the ride is so smooth and quiet on the highway I notice it more than other vehicles? Didn't feel right to me though.

 

[little_joe]

FWIW my GX has been doing this since I got it, and the AC system has never been touched and works perfectly. It alarmed me at first, but I'm thinking it's just the nature of the beast.........