Car idles rough with AC on – 2008 dodge avenger

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Although the pulley is still spinning, the compressor has likely failed. If it is not properly regulating pressure in the system, one of the first signs is a warm air conditioner. Considering yours is not cooling off, the pressures are not correct. If you believe the compressor is working correctly, you may want to check for a clogged line before replacing it. Keep in mind, a blocked line has likely put extra strain on the compressor, and may cause premature failure. For more help with testing or replacing the compressor, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

ANSWER : This may be a result of a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at idle. Since this valve is controlled by the vehicle’s computer, it will adjust idle speed based upon other measurements such as engine temperature, intake air temperature and electrical system load or voltage. When you accelerate, the engine RPM increases, and as you let off the gas, the RPM slowly returns to the normal idling speed with the help of the idle air control valve making the transition from a higher RPM back down to idle speed. When the engine RPM drops below the normal range of about ~800 RPM, this often times will cause the engine to stall indicating a dirty or faulty idle air control valve. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and repair your idle air control valve.

ANSWER : The idle air control valve is common for causing a rough idle in many cars, but it sounds like you have already corrected that. Another thing you may also want to check is the crankshaft position sensor. A crankshaft position sensor monitors the position or rotational speed of the crankshaft. This information is used by engine management systems to control the fuel injection or the ignition system timing and other engine parameters. When this is faulty or not working properly, this will cause problems with the ignition system and generating spark transmission to the spark plugs resulting in starting problems, rough idling and other performance issues. You may also want to check the fuel pressure as low fuel pressure can also cause rough or poor idling if the fuel pattern being sprayed from the injectors is not consistent. This can also happen in the case of having dirty fuel injectors which may also interrupt the spray pattern of the injectors. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your car.

ANSWER : Hi there.The catalytic converter has two oxygen sensors. One oxygen sensor is positioned in front (upstream) of the catalytic converter and the other oxygen sensor is positioned at the rear (downstream). If the upstream oxygen sensor is working properly, its readings should fluctuate from when the car is at operating temperature and when running in a closed loop. When the oxygen sensors have readings that are similar to each other, it is an indication that the catalytic converter is not working as intended. If the voltage of the downstream oxygen sensor decreases, and begins to fluctuate like the upstream oxygen sensor, it means that the oxygen levels are too high and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will store the P0420 trouble code. This could be caused by a cracked exhaust manifold, damaged sensors or catalytic converter or electrical harness that controls the the sensors. It would be a good idea to have a professional mechanic complete an engine is misfiring inspection.

ANSWER : The control circuit for the fans needs to be checked. For example, there is usually a condenser fan relay in the A/C electrical controls. There could be a fault with that relay and/or wiring problems, perhaps even just a loose connection, blown or loose fuse, and so forth. To resolve something like this, the recommended service is an electrical component diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic service, the responding certified mechanic will get the problem pinpointed and resolved. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. There can be multiple problems with the vehicle causing your issues. First, we need to take a look at the drive belt which sends power to the AC system from the engine. When the engine is running at idle, the lower speed means less power going to the AC. As it stands now, the engine can not handle powering the wheels, and all the other components driven by the drive belt (alternator, water pump, air conditioning) at the same time. This may be due a slipping drive belt (failed belt tensioner, stretched out belt), a component drawing too much power from the engine, or other similar issues with the drive belt. Since the engine runs fine without the AC running, your engine is likely working fine. You should focus on the AC compressor (connected to the drive belt), the tension of the drive belt, and the condition of the other pulleys connected to the drive belt. For more help with diagnostics, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

ANSWER : It sounds like you may have a faulty electronic throttle control unit. The electronic throttle unit opens and closes the throttle blade based upon input from various engine control sensors, including the accelerator pedal. This unit also controls, among other things, the cruise control function as well. When this control unit fails, this may cause intermittent stalling issues and rough idle problems. This is usually repaired by removing and replacing the throtte control unit. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle at your earliest convenience.

ANSWER : This sound like you may be having an engine misfire. Have the system checked and scanned to see if codes are present for an engine misfire. If it is, then a mechanic can check to see if a coil or spark plug has failed. You may have oil leaks in the valve cover seals that has caused the ignition to short out in the spark plug holes. A repair of your valve cover gaskets may be necessary, along with the other components that I’ve mentioned. I’d recommend having the vehicle looked at by a qualified technician who will be able to diagnose these misfiring symptoms and fix it accordingly.