Engine power loss when ac running

[jbob]

I've got an 03, and when I turn on the AC I notice a sometimes substantial power loss. When I am idling the tach jumps between .5k and 1k, and at highway speed you can feel the power give out. Has anyone else had this and what might the solution be?

[Terps_Fan]

I do notice this too, but not sure of any solutions...

[03LXV6]

That is normal. The compressor pulley is driven by the engine.

[James.uk]

It might be worth slipping the belt off and checking the bearings on the pulley? I would also take a good look at the compressor to make sure it turns - runs freely and is well lubricated. Also make sure that the clutch is engaging properly. Seems very odd to me that such a small item appears to drain so much power from a 2 litre petrol engine????

Not the same model I know, but with my 1996 Accord I can't feel any diff when the air con is on or off, apart from it being bliddy cold when it's on that is!! :biggrin: It certainly doesn't use much power. :dunno:
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[Terps_Fan]

That is normal. The compressor pulley is driven by the engine.

I also meant to say that I'm don't really experience any real power loss, but I can definately can tell when the compressor kicks on. No big though, as you said.

[Accordlover]

I've got an 03, and when I turn on the AC I notice a sometimes substantial power loss. When I am idling the tach jumps between .5k and 1k, and at highway speed you can feel the power give out. Has anyone else had this and what might the solution be?


If you have an Automatic accord, the 4cyl, and the A/C running you'll feel it on the freeway no doubt, and whenever you put the petal down to cause the car to drop a gear for passing you'll notice the A/C compressor is turned off for extra passing power (when you climb a hill on a hot day, you'll be even more able to tell when the A/C is blowing warm air). So contrary to popular belief, pressing the A/C button before accelerating doesn't' do much.

James as great of advice as you gave, it's not going to help the OP more than likely. It's rather normal.

[James.uk]

Hi Accordlover :)

Sorry if I failed to help .... erm ..... what's an OP? :blush:
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[Accordlover]

Hi Accordlover :)

Sorry if I failed to help .... erm ..... what's an OP? :blush:
.

You didn't fail to help! Someone down the road will see that and find it useful. :yes:

OP = Original Poster

[James.uk]

Hi Accordlover.. :)

Thank you for the information, and the prompt reply.. :)

PS.. My ZX doesn't have air con, so I just take my shoes and socks off and drive with both feet out the window. :biggrin: :lmao: :banana:
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[RTexasF]

The tach shouldn't jump back and forth like that. The A/C does suck the life out of the 4 cyl though.

[stiller fan]

yep, mine tends to putt putt around when the a/c compressor is running as well....

yet another honda "trait"

[EX-L_KABONG]

Another reason to love that smooth and powerful V6!

;)

[hiddengamer7]

Yea, when i put a/c on, my rpms drop at idle and its a little rough, and i notice a power loss, but its normal

[jbob]

Thanks for all your help guys. It seems like on really hot days it's worse. I'll just chalk it up to being "normal" for now!

[stiller fan]

it wouldn't hurt to have it checked out, just in case.

but, from what you are describing, it sounds like a normal thing with all honda 4 cylinders.... :yes:

[DonutLimo]

also remember hot, humid, and high = poor air density and less power all around. should supercharge that puppy!

[RTexasF]

Thanks for all your help guys. It seems like on really hot days it's worse. I'll just chalk it up to being "normal" for now!

Not only is the air going to the engine hot (power loss), the A/C compressor must run more often to keep the cabin cool. Again, normal stuff for any car. I'm wondering if the tach moving slightly is simply the compressor cycling. If so that's normal also but it should only be a slight movement when the compressor kicks on then return to normal idle.

[ERNESTOEJD]

I Have A 93 Accord And I Have A Similar Problem.

When I Am Driving With The Air Con On And D4, The Rpms Go Up And Down Very Quickly, And Then The Engine Dies. I Go To Neutral And Starts Right Away And Then I Can Go One Or Two Stop Lights And The Same Happens. If I Shift To D3 Or Neutral The Car Doesn't Die.

I Can Drive On D3 With The Air Con And The Lights On Without A Problem For Longer Period Of Time.

I Did A Cylinder Head Job And Changed The Throttle Body.

Any Help?

Thanks

[Foreign_Wide]

I may be wrong but consider the following

Yes, kicking in the a/c compressor AND adding load to the alternator punch the idle hard when the engine is it's weakest, but how do we compensate for that reaction?

What should happen is that something kicks up the throttle just enough to counteract the compressor and alternator load.

In my opinion, if that function isn't happening for any reason, that is where you need to look.