A system and method for flooded start control of a compressor are provided. An ambient temperature sensor generates ambient temperature data and a compressor temperature sensor generates compressor temperature data. A control module receives the ambient temperature data and the compressor temperature data, determines whether the outdoor ambient temperature is rising faster than the compressor temperature, determines whether the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than the compressor temperature by more than a predetermined threshold for more than a predetermined time period, and, in response to the outdoor ambient temperature rising faster than the compressor temperature and the outdoor ambient temperature being greater than the compressor temperature by more than the predetermined threshold for more than the predetermined time period, operates the compressor according to at least one cycle including a first time period during which the compressor is on and a second time period during which the compressor is off.