Why does car jerk when AC is on?

Jerking (especially with AC on) usually indicates a problem with available power verses load. The AC is the added/extra load, but the AC may not be/is likely not the problem. Always check your fluid levels, -then check your car.
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Why is my car shaking when I turn on my AC?

Load on Engine

When you turn the AC on, the vehicle engine triggers elements such as idle speed or air control motor. You can increase the idle compressor by compensating with an additional drag. The inaccuracy in this process causes the vehicle to shake when AC is on.
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Why does my car skip when the AC is on?

Your air conditioning not working is most likely due to the refrigerant in the system being low. Over time the refrigerant will slowly leak out. You won't be able to notice it because it is a gas.
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How do you fix a rough idle when AC is on?

My Car Idles Rough When the AC Is On
  1. Check common sources of trouble that can cause a rough idle when AC is on. ...
  2. The IAC valve is a common source of trouble. ...
  3. Check and remove buildup from the throttle body, if necessary. ...
  4. Make sure the cooling or condenser fan is working properly.
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Can AC affect acceleration?

If you are cruising at a city pace you might not notice the difference, but when you slam the accelerator you're almost guaranteed to feel the loss in strength. Also, your ride slows down because your AC causes your RPM to drop, which hurts your acceleration (you want higher revs when you attempt to speed up).
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What are the symptoms of a bad AC compressor?

5 Signs & Symptoms of a Bad AC Compressor
  • Your AC Is Making Growling, Screeching, or Clattering Noises. Electrical failures in the compressor will make your AC emit unusual clunking or rattling noises. ...
  • You Have a Hard Time Getting Your AC to Start. ...
  • Your AC Stops Blowing Cold Air. ...
  • Circuit Breaker Problems. ...
  • Diminished Airflow.
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Does AC put strain on engine?

Air conditioning actually creates more engine heat in the engine compartment as there is more strain on the engine to operate the AC compressor. The engine's serpentine belt drives the AC compressor, which requires more energy from the engine.
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Does AC affect car engine?

And when the engine propels energy to the cooling mechanism it will inevitably be dividing its full energy into two, effecting the throttle of the car. This simple knowledge proves that the AC puts extra inevitable pressure on the engine, thus having some effect on performance of the car.
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Can air conditioning affect transmission?

The tranny is not affected by the AC. The AC puts more load on the engine which slows it down.
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Does AC lower horsepower?

When the AC system kicks on, you might notice that the engine RPM increases a little. According to Your Mechanic, the car does this in order to offset the power drawn by the AC system, so there's no doubt that the system robs your engine of horsepower when it's activated.
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What causes engine to surge while driving?

If an engine is not getting enough fuel (this is called “running lean”), due to fuel pressure (regulated by the fuel pump and regulator), restricted fuel injectors, a vacuum leak or really anything that throws off the fuel mixture going in to the engine, this can cause the surge.
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Is it OK to run AC while parked?

Avoid placing a strain on your car's cooling and electrical systems during these end-of-summer months. Pre-cooling your vehicle might seem like a good idea, but it'll waste plenty of fuel and time. It's far better to be driving while you're cooling off the inside of your car.
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Is it OK to idle car with AC on?

It's not a great practice. But setting my environmental preferences aside, you can let any car idle with the AC on for a long time without doing any harm. As long as the cooling system is working properly, you should be able to sit in any modern car you buy and let it idle indefinitely.
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How do you know if your car needs a new compressor?

Symptoms of a bad Ac compressor in a car
  1. High cabin temperature.
  2. Loud noise from the AC compressor.
  3. Moisture leak.
  4. Compressor clutch stiff or not moving.
  5. Tripping circuit breaker.
  6. Broken Suction Lines.
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How much does it cost to fix an AC compressor in a car?

How Much Does Car A/C Compressor Repair and Replacement Cost? Car a/c compressor replacement costs about $994 for car a/c compressor with average prices of car a/c compressor ranging from $842 for a compressor to $1146 for car a/c compressor in the US for 2020, according to Repairpal.com.
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Can you drive with bad AC compressor?

It is most likely OK to operate your vehicle even thought the a/c compressor has failed. However there are a couple things to be aware of. As long as the compressor pulley is rotating smoothly, without wobble or noise, it shouldn't affect belt tension or operation of the other belt-driven accessories.
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Does turning on the AC waste gas?

When you're taking full advantage of your vehicle's air conditioner on a hot day in San Francisco traffic, you may wonder, does car AC use gas? Yes: The alternator, which is powered by the engine, is what provides energy to the air conditioner. The engine runs on fuel, meaning you are using up gas when you run the AC.
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How long can I keep my car AC on while my engine is running but car is parked?

As long as the engine is running and you aren't running low on fuel, you can keep your car idling with the AC on for as long as you'd like. However, you will want to avoid doing this with the engine off, as this will use up almost all of your battery power in a short time, leaving you in need of a jumpstart.
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Does running AC in car drain battery?

What Drains A Car Battery. Failing Alternator – Your battery is used to help get your car started, but your alternator is what keeps your car going and provide power to electrical components such as the lights, power windows and door locks, air conditioning and the radio.
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Can I sleep in car with engine on?

No, it's not safe to sleep in your car with the engine running. Leaving your car engine turned on while sleeping could lead to dangerous exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide entering the vehicle.
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Should you open car windows before turning on AC?

Turning on the air conditioning when you're driving around town can lower your car's fuel efficiency by as much as 25%. That means it's much better to roll down your windows. But as your car speeds up, open windows add extra drag to your car, which also makes it less efficient. That's when you should turn on the AC.
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Does hot weather affect car AC?

The hotter it is outside, the harder the air conditioning in your vehicle has to work. Rising outside temperatures put extra strain on your entire vehicle and its cooling system, from the battery and belts to hoses and fluids, requiring each part to work overtime to keep your vehicle cool.
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Why is my car bucking?

Something like a bad spark plug, dirty throttle body or idle air control motor or faulty mass air flow sensor. Check engine codes can be checked with a scan tool that can assist in the diagnosis of the issue. There is the possibility that the issue is an internal issue in the transmission when shifting between gears.
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Can a transmission cause surging?

Surges or Stalls

Surges and stalls can mean you have a serious transmission problem. Normally your car should move as soon as you put it into gear. Not only are these symptoms of a transmission problem but surging and stalling can be extremely hazardous while driving.
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