Kguy

Hello everyone, I had a question about how my car runs with the A/C on. I have a 1995 eg hatch with a stock D16 and when the A/C is running, it is causing the engine to struggle from a stop and lower speeds.

I am not sure if something is wrong but it almost seems like I always have to stand on the pedal to get the car to move from a stop and lower speeds (only with a/c on). The engine struggles a bit (not too bad but noticeably) with the A/C on until it reaches enough rpms for the VTEC and then it gets going again. Now, I am aware that the a/c clutch does require a bit of energy to get the compressor moving, but it seems like its more than normal.

Another thing too, whenever I am going average city speed (around 40-50mph) and I take the car out of gear, you can feel it struggle a little bit once the RPMS drop to idle rpms.

What could be causing this?

Roger_<3_Honduh

the ac takes power from the engine to me the loss of power with it on is normal.

Kguy

I am losing a considerable amount of power... not just a little. This is until the VTEC starts. This does not seem normal to me.

furious94ls

They system may be overcharged, the compressor may be on it's way out. Check the system pressure with guages. These cars lose A LOT of power with the A/C on.

eurochoi

When was the last time you did a tune-up? I notice when the compressor kicks on but it's not so severe that it becomes an issue. Mine is an all stock D16Y8 with an auto trans. But either way, make sure it's not overcharged as well, but routine maintenance, either way, is a plus (tune up)

Kguy

This was the answer I was looking for, was not sure if it was just my car.

Well I have not had the car too long, so I personally have never done a tune up on it yet. This was actually a possible solution that I came up with as well, so I am glad you brought it up. I will look into this.

The system is not overcharged, I actually just got it back from my mechanic. I had them evacuate the whole system (too much oil and dye) flush it and refill it with new freon.

Thank you guys for your replies!

delsolintegra

One thing you might want to check is the age of your battery. After I put a new battery in my 93 del sol si I noticed the problem seemed to go away.
I think the alternator was always working a little too hard trying to charge the battery and that was all it took to make the engine struggle with the A/C on. The battery in the del sol is a 51R model which is kind of small and their capacity is right on the edge. Even if the battery is 2 to 3 years old it might not be good enough for your hot climate. I'm in Florida so I can relate.

I've had batteries die immediately with a dead short, no warning with slow cranking, so I think that's also a sympton of these smaller case batteries

Ryan Lwin

Is your car manual? If so, have you checked and cleaned your IACV? Even with A/C on, these 4 cylinder engines doesn't lose that much power. I can still accelerate pretty well with A/C on full blast on my D16. It just feels a bit draggy.

Former User

Does the A/C condenser fan run when the A/C is on?

Kguy

Battery is brand new, just replaced it less than 2 months ago.


Yes, it has manual transmission. To be honest, I thought maybe this was the culprit as well. I asked a mechanic friend about this issue and he mentioned the same thing. I have yet to clean or check the IACV.

Yup, fires right up when the A/C is running.

Ryan Lwin

Well, it's an easy job. You should always check that first when it comes to struggling RPM problems on manual cars. Do that first and fast.

purgat0ry

iTrader: (3)

This.

It's incredibly easy to do.

jchope

my old sedan would almost die with the ac on at a stoplight it wasnt so bad after the port job i did

Kguy

Thanks for your replies everyone!

I will definitely look into the IACV, especially now because one of my power steering lines ruptured and spilled fluid everywhere, so my EG is benched for a few days...