My air conditioning unit comes on then off in about 10 seconds. It does this 3 or 4 times before coming on and staying on until the house is cooled it does work. Is there something than needs fixed?

Could be a defective pressure control in the outside unit
Could be low on refrigerant
Could be to tight of a anticipation circuit on the thermostat. (usually cool mode has fixed anticipation) BUT there are thermostats that are adjustable.
Could be a time delay that is losing its control capabilities.There are more but this will give you something to think about for awhile.