Have an issue with my truck--96 Dakota.

I charged the AC tonight. First i put a 5oz can in with the red dye, checked everywhere and found no leaks. Before this, the AC blew "not cold" air . Figured i might have a leak.

Then i put in one 12oz can of 134. Checked with the gauge and its charged up , with 45 degrees temp out of the vent.

so this entire time, the clutch would click and spin for 5 seconds, then click and stop for 5 seconds. Over and over..... it didnt change throughout the charging , etc....

still does it.

So im not under charged or over charged.... what might be my problem ?

Did you check the pressure with a single gauge or a manifold set? Only dual gauges will show the pressure readings you need to determine if it's over or under charged.

I'll repeat my previous rant, the only way to properly charge an A/C system is by weight i.e. total discharge and recharge by weight.

single gauge is all i have

96 Dakota is an expansion valve system and should not be cycling the a/c compressor like that. You need to put a real manifold gauge set on there and see what is going on, also that system if I remember correctly will hold 36oz from empty fill.

I know even the ones that use the exp valve would usually still be a cylcling clutch system. They used thermostatic switches on some and pressure switches in the low side on some that would cycle the comp. From what I remember most all of the Dakota's through the 90's used a cycling comp system. They dont have an EPR valve or Suction Throttle Valve on them so they still cycle the comp to keep the evap from freezing. It sounds as if its still low but as was said installing gauges will tell you alot as you can tell by the head pressure as per the temp and humidity outside if its about a full charge. Ron

It was just low..the gauge lied....added 1 more can and the cycling quit and its plenty cold