The alternator on my 97' C1500 5.7 engages every 20 seconds. Is this something that needs attention? It can be heard engaging and disengaging constantly. Any advice will be appreciated.

 

The only time I heard of an alternator engaging and disengaging is a bad alternator and needs attention.

 

Sorry, I asked the wrong question. My son has corrected me. Hmmm... It's not the alternator - it's the AC compressor engaging and disengaging constantly, even when the AC is not on. The AC does work, but it blows only cool air - not as cold as I would like. Maybe it just needs more R-134a? A bad sensor? Why would the compressor go on and off continuously, even in the Minnesota wintertime?

 

Low on freon would cause a cycling issue.

 

The engaging and disengaging is normal but yours may be doing it too often. It sounds like you have low freon. I would have it checked for pressure and leaks. I believe the compressor also runs when you have the defroster on to dehumidify the cab.