AC compressor going out, causing hesitation during acceleration?

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid

Just had freon put into my car. While the mechanic was putting it in, the compressor started cycling on and off.

He said that my compressor was about to go out and I should prepare to purchase a new one.

It stopped cycling after a couple of minutes, but when I started driving it, the cycling began again. First it would cycle repeatedly for about 5 - 10 cycles. Then once I drove a bit more, it stopped.

However, that was on a trip of over 80 miles, and my daily commute is only about 10-15 miles. So, as I drove it yesterday and today, it cycled the whole time too and from work.

I also noticed that while I'm accelerating, as the AC compressor is cycling on and off, it causes my car to hesitate very noticeably. While I'm on cruise control, the car hesitates sometimes as well.

What is your input on the issue, and what should I do to remedy the situation? I don't have a few hundred dollars to just drop on a new compressor, but tell me, is this my only option?

Maybe you overflowed it with freon

Well, the compressor is failing to hold pressure, so it is cycling constantly. The compressor will draw on the available power of the car, which is why you are sensing the hesitation.

You could also just turn off the AC and drive with the windows open. Maybe not an acceptable answer if you live somewhere very hot…

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