# AC Compressor does not kick in for the first 5 min

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-compressor-does-not-kick-in-for-the-first-5-min/46665>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** ford\
**Created:** [March 26, 2010, 5:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-compressor-does-not-kick-in-for-the-first-5-min/46665 "2010-03-26T17:48:50Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![macmadmax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@macmadmax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/macmadmax)\
**Post date:** [March 26, 2010, 5:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-compressor-does-not-kick-in-for-the-first-5-min/46665/1 "2010-03-26T17:48:50Z")

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Hi,  
  
  
  
 I have a 2003 Grand Marquis with about KM 150,000. About 1 month ago when I start my car on the morning and switch on the AC I only get hot/normal air coming out instead of the cold air… This goes on for about 5 min until I hear the click of the compressor and then cold air start coming out normally. I assume that for the first 5 min power does not go to the compressor but not sure how I can check it? Do you have clue about this problem?  
  
  
  
 Thanks.   
  
 Edit/Delete Message

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**Author:** ![tardis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f0a364/32.png) [@tardis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tardis)\
**Post date:** [March 26, 2010, 5:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-compressor-does-not-kick-in-for-the-first-5-min/46665/2 "2010-03-26T17:57:33Z")

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Is your check engine light on? Some engine problems will cause the computer to disable A/C until they clear. Alternately, your AC clutch may be failing.

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**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\
**Post date:** [March 26, 2010, 6:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-compressor-does-not-kick-in-for-the-first-5-min/46665/3 "2010-03-26T18:17:35Z")

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Has the vehicle had any type of AC service in its entire life? system pressures with an eye towards low charge is in order. The AC system by design has a built in leak figure, it is not designed to never need recharge.

Pressure check with a good visual inspection (check out that clutch and electrical connector)is in order