I've had my 1996 c1500 for about a year, the AC has never worked right. It blows just fine, and the heat actually works. The only problem is that if I want cold air all I get is the air that's just sitting in the vents blasted into my face and nothing to cool the inside of the truck down. I don't know anything about air conditioning systems so I don't even know what to start with. I need help... Anybody who knows the first thing about AC's probably knows more than me, so any help is appreciated. Mostly I'm a windows down kind of dude, but all this rain is making that harder and harder.

 

when the a/c is engaged and the engine is running; does the a/c compressor cycle on and off?

 

The clutch on your compressor will kick on for a bit then off for a while
when your system is healthy. If you're low on freon that clutch will kick on
then off rapidly. If so, you have the need to recharge your system at the very
least. At most, you may need to replace the compressor and evaporator then
vacuum and recharge the system. Bring your American Express!