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Ruud Air Conditioner is short cycling

If your Ruud air conditioner is short cycling, or the AC turns on and off quickly before the space reaches the set temperature, the problem is usually in the controls or temperature-sensing circuit. Start with the control board, which regulates voltage to the unit’s components and can cause the air conditioner to keep cycling if it fails. The main control board is another highly likely cause for the same reason. A faulty user control and display board can also trigger Ruud AC short cycling, especially if the thermistor or temperature sensor tests good. Next, check the thermistor and temperature sensor with a multimeter. Their resistance should change as air temperature changes, and a bad reading points to replacement. The temperature control thermostat can also short cycle the compressor and fan, particularly if it does not allow the normal five to ten minute pressure equalization delay before restart. Enter your Ruud model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement control board, thermistor, temperature sensor, thermostat, or display board for your specific air conditioner.

01 - Ruud Air Conditioner Control Board

The control board regulates the voltage to all of the air conditioner components. If the control board fails, the air conditioner may short cycle. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure to check more commonly defective parts first before replacing the control board.
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Highly Likely

02 - Ruud Air Conditioner Main Control Board

The main control board regulates the voltage to all of the air conditioner components. If the control board fails, the air conditioner may short cycle. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure to check more commonly defective parts first before replacing the main control board.
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Highly Likely

03 - Ruud Air Conditioner User Control and Display Board

The user control and display board allows the user to operate the unit by selecting fan speeds and cooling temperatures. If the board is defective, the air conditioner may short cycle. If the temperature sensor or thermistor tests appropriately with a multimeter, it's possible the user control and display board is malfunctioning and will need to be replaced.
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Highly Likely

04 - Ruud Air Conditioner Thermistor

The thermistor is a sensor connected to the control board that detects the temperature of the air. The resistance value of the thermistor changes in conjunction with the air temperature. If the air temperature rises, the resistance value will decrease. A malfunctioning thermistor may cause the air conditioner to short cycle. To determine if the thermistor is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermistor does not have continuity, or if the resistance of the thermistor does not change with a change in temperature, replace the thermistor. (To find specific temperature and resistance values, try check...ing your user’s manual.)
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Common

05 - Ruud Air Conditioner Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor is connected to the control board and detects the temperature of the air. The resistance value of the sensor changes in conjunction with the air temperature. If the air temperature rises, the resistance value will decrease. A malfunctioning temperature sensor may cause the air conditioner to short cycle. To determine if the sensor is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the sensor does not have continuity, or if the resistance of the sensor does not change with a change in temperature, replace the component. (To find specific temperature and resistance values, try checking your us...er’s manual.)
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Common

06 - Ruud Air Conditioner Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat is a sensor which monitors the temperature of the air and activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor when the air temperature drops below a set point. If the thermostat isn’t working, the air conditioner may short cycle. When the thermostat shuts the compressor off there needs to be approximately a five to ten minute delay to let the refrigerant equalize before the compressor will start again. If the refrigerant has not had time to equalize the compressor may not start. If the thermostat is short cycling it will need to be replaced. To determine if the temperature contr...ol thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will have three terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.)
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Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Ruud air conditioner short cycling?
How do I test a Ruud AC thermistor or temperature sensor?
Can a bad temperature control thermostat make my Ruud AC turn on and off quickly?
Should I replace the Ruud air conditioner control board if the AC keeps cycling?
How do I find the right Ruud air conditioner replacement part?

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