Dont know why but when i turn the AC on all the way my car idles really low and acts like it is trying to die. I also get a knock retard reading from .1 to 2.0 when this happens, do you think it is false knock and or are these things related. Thanks for any imput.



Chris

 

hrm things that come to mind:

A/C compressor getting worn out and the bearings ready to sieze?
Vacuum leak?
Bad power/ground to the blower motor taking too much voltage from your system and affecting your spark?
Long shot but maybe something IAC related?

 

I think it may have something to do with the compressor because my AC HAS been acting up lately. I guess i will just have to go get a free AC check done. Thanks though, any other ideas?? Oh and whats an IAC????


Chris

 

IAC, is idle air control valve, it's on the passenger bottom side of the throttle body if you didnt know.

 

To add to Shawns post- the IAC is a little check valve essentially that lets enough air into your throttlebody to hold a stable idle while you're at 0% TPS (throttle position).

 

I had a similar problem with my car at two points in time.

1) when the alternator was about to die

2) this one shocked me, When my clutch was slipping badly and i needed a new clutch. After i got the new clutch the ac is much happier doesnt want to stall the car at an idle. I guess the extra strain on the engine causes the clutch to slip even more.

 

I have a new clutch, maybe its the alternator. About how long do they last on our cars?




Chris

 

There is always jokes about getting a new alternator with your oil change or with a tank of gas, or even in the frozen section at Acme. Jokes aside, they are not known for being strong, usually they last between 30,000-60,000 miles.

 

Being that my car just hit 62K then i might be looking at a new alternator then....................another part.


Chris

 

Its just the way of the F-body, its cool though cause it only takes about a half hour to swop the alternator and you get money back for the core charge.

 

check it first, with the car running, the voltage at the battery should read around 14.2 volts....

 

My scanmaster is telling me 13.5 or 13.6. Is that a sign of the alternator going???



Chris