whenever i try to run my a/c, i can hear the a/c unit trying to engage, then it kicks right back out. it keeps trying this nonstop until i turn it off. it will still blow halfway cold air through the vents, though i'm not going to run it like this waiting for it to explode. can anyone else back me up on my assumption that the a/c compressor is shot?

Welcome to the club. Please add your year and trim level to your signature so that it will help us troubleshoot.

Your compressor is not shot. You're simply low on freon. The compressor engaging and disengaging is simply a fail safe so the compressor doesn't get shot.

I had a slow leak of the refrigerant in my a/c. The compressor would constantly cycle on and off because of this. Once I had the system recharged everything worked fine. Maybe that'* all it needs.

Leif W.

X2 on the low freon. At least have them look at the hoses etc if your car is older like mine for leaks before having it charged up. So like me you don't have to have a hose replaced and then get it charged again. (Mechanic Dan'* would probably hear about it if he didn't take care of me so well)

Just had to buy a new condenser, 250 later, stil gotta put it in, had ac but not cool enough, recharged the system to check for leaks and it was hissing from the top corner behind the rad. that was my issue