I have just bought a 2001 executive and when the C Control/air con is on the car hesitates,only for half a second but I can definatley feel it.Is this something I should get checked or 'do they all do that sir'

 

if what you mean is that there is a decrease in HP when you turn on the AC, then yes that happens to every car on the road. When you turn on the AC it engages the AC condensor which runs off the engine.

 

I can't tell without driving it myself, but that sounds like the drag from the air conditioner compressor. If so, that's normal.

 

Like you say it is difficult to describe something that needs experiencing,but to me it is more of a definate hesitation.I understand what you say about a decrease in power but would this not be even rather than sudden.UNLESS?? the AC compressor works when it has to and not all the time,and I am feeling it when the compressor 'kicks in'.

 

yup the condensor is not always 'on' only when it needs to cool the air. So its on for a few minutes, then it shuts off and the fans in the car recirculate the air, then when the temp of the air drops the AC kicks in again which robs some power from the engine. If the hesitation is really bad take it to the dealership, it should be still under warentee (i still havent figured out how to spell that word correctly) and tell them the deal

 

Fenix... The condenser is that 'other radiator' out front of the radiator. It's always there, it doesn't turn on & off.

The compressor is belt-driven from the engine, with a clutch that engages when it's needed. The compressor clutch engages every couple minutes, runs for a bit, it doesn't run ALL the time.

When the engine is idling, the IACV willl compensate for the drag of the AC compressor. But when you're driving, it can't compensate so that's why you can feel it.

 

If your in a fastfood line and your car is idling, you might notice a sound shift every 10 seconds or so and the brake pedal pressure might change. Thats the fan / compressor turning on and off to cool the car, so yeah, it does drag on the engine a little.

 

Jim, thanks for the correct. i knew it was one or the other :P

 

Dbl post, could a mod delete this please?