The AC compressor cycles on and off every 10 seconds to maintain the desired temperature in the room. This cycling helps regulate the cooling process and prevent the system from overworking or freezing up.
IT IS NORMAL FOR IT TO CYCLE LIKE EVERY 20 OR 30 SECONDS IT AUTOMATICALY COMES ON WHEN THE AC COMPRESSOR IS ENGAGED
The refrigerant level is low.
This is normal it does it to cycle the freon
The compressor cycling on-off is usually an indication of low refrigerant level, which in turn means that there is a leak in the system somewhere.
Bad compressor
More than likely it is low on refrigerant and the compressor is kicking off on the low pressure switch. After it is off for a few seconds the low pressure switch resets and starts up again, runs a few seconds and off again. Continuous cycle of off and on.
low on freon
comp may cycle when you have the defroster on
If you have the heat on in the defrost position , the air conditioning compressor will cycle on and off to help dehumidify the air if the outside temperature is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer
Some a/c compressors cycle on and off to maintain a set temperature.
There are several things that can cause your air conditioning compressor to turn off after five seconds. The most common cause is a lack of Freon pressure. Check your air conditioning hoses for a leak.
If you have " defrost " selected the compressor cycles on and off if it's not too cold outside in order to dehumidify the air - that's normal