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Why would air conditioner compressor work while driving but stop working when the car is idling?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Possibly a loose belt. At higher engine speeds, even with a slipping belt, the compressor could be turning fast enough to produce some cooling. But at idle speeds, the loose belt may not turn the compressor pulley at all. == {1}Loose belt {2}Low compressor pressure {weak compressor}
Answer
An undercharging alternator (anything less than 12v) can also lead to the a/c compressor not working while idling, but will work again when the engine speed picks up while driving as the alternator will be producing a much higher voltage.
a) How to determine that the Alternator is undercharging
An easy way to know whether it's undercharging or not is to observe the air-conditioner's blower speed. If the air-conditioner's blower speed picks up in tandem with the engine speed and slows down when in idle mode, then the likely problem is due to an undercharging alternator.
b) How to determine that the Alternator is undercharging
Start the engine - switch on the air-conditioner- switch on all lights- switch on the radio & amplifiers (if u have them)- engage 1st gear (or reverse)-----Now read the voltage with a multimeter to see whether the alternator is producing at least 12V (preferably more than 12V). Needs to be replaced if it's anything less than 12V.
Get the biggest available capacity alternator that you can lay your hands on.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
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Why does car air conditioner get warm when car is idling?
because the compressor isn't getting enough tourque
Why would car air conditioner work when engine is idling but stops working while driving?
It is over charged and builds to much pressure on the high side when the engine is at a higher RPM. Need to remove some feon.
Why does my Chevy Venture overheat when idling but is fine when driving?
Check coolant level Cooling fan working? Dirt or clogged radiator? Defective radiator cap?
Why would a 1989 Dodge Caravan get hot if idling with the air conditioner on?
Thermostat? or radiator? Greg
Is there any method used to utilize driving shaft's rotation during idling of the vehicle?
As the vehicle sits idling the driveshaft is not rotating.
Can spark plugs cause car to shake?
Yes, when idling and driving.
How to repair an air conditioner on a 1989 Nissan 300ZX that blows cold when idling and warm air when driving?
it is a vacuum leak-replace the vacuum line from the right side along the right front-tiny vacuum line probably split
1996 explorer with a loud humming sound coming from under the hood mainly when idling or under 1500 rpms plus my a c is not working properly although it was working two months ago and off and on?
I wonder if your a/c compressor is going on the blink? If you can disconnect it somehow, does the humming stop?
What causes a hum when driving but not when idling?
Probably wheel bearings or wheels are unbalanced
Does your car use more gas idling or driving down the street?
It depends on how long you are idling, or how fast you are going. If you know you are going to be idling for a long time, it's best just to put your car in park.
What strategies are there to lower a cars emissions?
Car emissions can be reduced by reducing idling time and by driving at a moderate highway speed when possible. Driving too fast and idling are both wasteful in terms of fuel, and increase the vehicle's emissions.
Why does ac condenser fan not run when car is idling?
The condenser fan is more likely to run when the car is idling. So if it NEVER comes on when idling you definitely have a problem. If the condenser is not cooled, then your compressor could get overloaded. It may be a problem with a relay that is preventing the fan from running - or some other issue.
