Ticking sound from an a/c component

The thing in the red box is making a very distinct ticking sound. Also my a/c doesn't work. When I turn on the a/c, the compressor starts but shuts off after 2 secs or so. Then a few secs later it comes on, then shuts off, and over and over again.

Anyone have an idea of what that component is and what the problem might be?

Thanks in advance for your help.

...lars

The ticking is normal, that is your emissions purge valve. The ac not working is probably low coolant... maybe an evaporator is leaking.

Thanks for that. Looks like there's one wire there that's going to an a/c related thing, which is why I thought it might be a/c related.

...lars

Its just in the same harness, doesn't mean its connected.