A/C service? could it cause idle weirdness?

[ravenp]

I have a 97... A/C has not been serviced in the 3 years i've had it. How often should i do that? I notice that it speeds up the idle when i turn it on, and although it works fine cooling down the car... i'm curious if it could be contributing to my idle problems....specifically the idle is not steady, it pulses up and down.

THanks...

[rockotman]

There is nothing that you should need to service related to the AC. If it works, all is well.

When you say it seems to be causing idle surges, could you clarify - it is normal for the AC to cause the engine to speed up a little, it creates a bit of load, forcing the idle air bypass to open ever so slightly.

If the engine seems to be speeding up and slowing down only when the AC is on, take a look at the AC compressor, and see if the clutch is repeatedly engaging/disengaging (you will be able to tell - when looking at the front of the pully on the compressor, if the center part is turning, the clutch is engaged and the AC compressor is doing its thing - if the center is not turning, the clutch is disengaged, and the compressor is not running.) What can happen is this - if the system gets low on pressure (i.e. loosign R134), there is a safety switch which senses this and turns off the compressor to keep from damaging the system. If you see the AC compressor engaging/disengaging at regular interval (say every few seconds) then I would get the AC checked for proper charge - but since you indicate that it makes the air nice and cool, it doesn't sound like that is the problem - but it doesn't cost anything to look under the hood.

[ravenp]

The idle surges whether the A/C is on or not, but get's louder when it's engaged which led me to think it might be part of the problem.

I wasn't aware that the new(non-freon) units didnt' have to be serviced (regularly anyways). THa'ts good to hear.

thanks... i'll inspect the unit closer but it sounds like it's probably not the problem.

[MississippiMaro]

Check your IAC valve for correct operation.

[geisencam]

I was thinking the same thing but My A/C works the best when I keep moving like on the freeway. It still works well around town but it works better on the freeway.

P.s The people that had the car before me and the hole a/c stuff was re done. they said they spent over $800.00 to get a new one in. It pumps lots and lots of air out you would not believe now much!

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: geisencam ]</p>

[ravenp]

is the IAC valve easy to find?

[ravenp]

It was the spark plugs... The new ones are great. The idle is strong now. Thanks guys!