When your car shakes when AC is on, then that’s a problem that requires fixing. Many people think that this is a result of a fault in the AC compressor.
But it could be due to a lot of different things, which we shall discuss in this article. To properly take on this task, it will be good to have a knowledge of the names of engine parts and how it interacts with the AC compressor.
The AC compressor is an important part of the vehicle. It cools the air inside the car in hot weather, thus making it comfortable for those inside.
Having that knowledge will help you to know when the system has failed and how to prevent it from happening. In this article, we shall look at the reasons the car shakes and how to settle the issue.
What Causes Car Shakes When AC Is On?
Air conditioning is a standard fitment in all new cars. This is the AC has two purposes: one is to increase refrigerant pressure, as the refrigerant must be hotter than the surrounding air temperature for heat to transfer to it.
The other function is to create low pressure in the evaporator, where the refrigerant can then vaporize so that it can absorb heat energy from the cab of the vehicle.
It also circulates the compressor oil and refrigerant; in fact, Oil and refrigerant are mixed throughout the entire AC system. These are the reasons that cause your vehicle to shake when the AC is on:
#1. Load on Engine.
The AC is quite similar to a & tiny engine, and it loads the engine too much. When you turn on the AC, the vehicle’s engine actuates idle speed, air control motor, etc.
You can compensate for the idle compressor by loading it with a little additional drag. This is not an accurate figure and will make your vehicle shake when the AC is on. In many cases, the “drag” will cause the steering wheel to vibrate when the AC is on.
Turn your steering wheel with the ac is on, and chances are that you’ll have an engine stall. If the AC continues loading the engine, some parts will wear out and eventually require replacement.
#2. Engine Foundation/Mounting.
The purpose of the engine mountings is to keep the suspension and engine in position. They support the engine and transmission at the proper suspension angle.
Every time you play the Ac, the mountings undergo a lot of stress. Thus, when the engine mounts or foundations get worn out, you will feel shudders and shakes when the AC is on.
If the engine mount is broken, the vibrations will increase, and there will also be a noise accompanying it. Whenever you feel the vibrations starting up, call your mechanic to have him check if the mounts are in order or need replacing.
#3. Bad Throttle Position Sensor.
Another reason why the car shakes when starting is the malfunction of the TP sensor. A faulty TP sensor does not control the RPMs.
Therefore, when you turn the Ac on, and the RPMs are inconsistent, the car will shake. In this case, clean the sensor or have it replaced.
#4. Faulty Fuel Injector.
The fuel injector sprays enough fuel into the engine at the proper time. If the fuel injector is faulty, the engine will not receive adequate fuel, and it will become less efficient.
When the AC is on, it puts even more load on the engine, and the vehicle begins to vibrate. Should this be the cause of the tingling, then you need a new fuel injector.
#5. Broken or Old Spark Plugs.
This is another situation when a Honda Accord shakes when ac is on. The cause is that there was no connection when generating power in the first place.
This could even be due to one spark plug being worn out or broken, initiating the fault. Replace the plugs in question immediately, or this will result in more damage.
#6. Faulty AC compressor.
Another key trigger of car shakes when accelerating is if the AC compressor is damaged.
A faulty AC would exert too much load on the engine; hence, rapid tingling happens. Apply this test: speed up the moving car when the AC is on. If you discover a change in the pick, you need a new AC.
How to Fix Car Shakes When AC Is On
As we’ve established, several things can cause the car to shake with the AC on. So the steps to fix this problem will depend on what is actually causing the shaking.
The most common reason for AC to cause cars to idle roughly is a dirty throttle body. In this case, do the following:
- Open the car hood.
- Examine the throttle body carefully.
- Ask a partner to put the car key in the “ON” position. They should not start the engine.
- Ask for assistance to press the accelerator pedal slowly.
- Spray a throttle body cleaner on a clean cloth.
- Using the cloth, wipe the throttle body carefully.
If a dirty throttle body was the cause, you would have fixed the problem. In other cases, this issue would be brought on by a bad AC compressor. In this case, you would need to install and change the AC compressor.
FAQs.
Q: What Causes Rough Idle When AC Is On?
There are a number of reasons as to why a vehicle could rough idle when the AC is turned on.
It can be a dirty or malfunctioning AIC valve, a faulty condenser or cooling fan, a dirty throttle body, old and worn-out spark plugs, bad engine mountings, etc. Some of these you will have to clean to get the problem solved, and others you will have to completely change the parts.
Q: How Do You Fix a Rough Idle When AC Is On?
You fix a rough idle when the AC is on, depending on the cause. The commonest cause is a dirty throttle body. Therefore, cleaning and unclogging it will solve the problem. If it is bad spark plugs, you just replace them with new ones.
It could be the AC that is completely bad, and then it will need to be changed. So, it is quite advisable to take it to a mechanic, and he may find out what the actual problem is, and then you will know how to fix it.
Q: Will a Bad AC Compressor Affect the Engine?
Yes, a bad AC compressor will affect your engine. The compressor is a major part of the air conditioning system and sacrosanct, as it derives its power from the engine.
It is the one that pressurizes the whole AC system and makes sure the freon refrigerant keeps coming in so that the system works as it should.
A bad AC compressor will make your vehicle shake when the AC is on, and in some extreme cases, make it stall. The shaking of the AC compressor is a main sign that tells you that the system is failing.
Q: How Can I Make My Car Idle Smoother?
A smooth idle of your car depends on the right mix of air and fuel. Therefore, when the air and fuel are not treated correctly, you will have a rough idle.
There are several causes of rough idling. And to have a smooth, rough idle, you need to point out the cause of its rough idling.
Most times, the cause is traced to components that control ignition and fuel. The smart thing to do is check the components one after the other. If they are blocked, then take time to clean them. If the parts are worn out, the way is to go for a replacement in order to get a smooth idle.
Final Words
Car shaking when the AC is on is one dilemma that most drivers are caught up in. The above information should put you in the know when the problem occurs, why it occurs, and how it is fixed. Some people make the mistake of staying put, hoping the problem will disappear.
The car shakes when ac is off could be due to different reasons. The smart thing is to have it fixed once you notice it, so it does not get worse. Always make sure that the AC system in your vehicle is working well and does not affect the car’s power.