LH / Intrepid A/C clutch cycle time

On my 1999 Intrepid ES, the air conditioner compressor cycles about
every 15-20 seconds (making a slight hissing sound as the a/c clutch
engages). Is this a normal cycle time? The factory service manual
doesn't specify how often the a/c should cycle. To me, it seems a bit
too frequent and will cause premature wear, but perhaps this is the
design cycle frequency?

 

The system is low on r-134. charge and leak test
Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

I have a 2004 300m and I was always wondering about a sound I hear when
idling roughly every 15 seconds. It sounds like something engaging, a belt
turning. The heater is running, but not the AC it's too cold here. Is this
the same thing?

 

A/C wwill engage if your heater is in defrost mode ( It runs to cycle
moisture out of the car)

 

Whenever the defogger is running, the A/C compressor will cycle. This is
normal.

 

Could be, depending on ambient temperature conditions -- which at this
time of year could be anywhere from "cold" to "hot".

 

Cycle time depends on lots of things- outside air temperature, engine
speed, interior fan speed, etc. 15-20 seconds is not unusual for a
moderate outside temperature.