A/C not working properly

Tiny
NOSAJ450N
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 ACURA INTEGRA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 80,000 MILES
Hello, I've come across your YouTube video on how to fix your A/C system in your car. My interesting issue is that my idle drops low then spike up and makes the car shake when the A/C button is pressed, but when it's not it idles fine with no drop in idle at all. I do have hardened engine mounts which is a cause of it, but it drops idle to the point it seems like it's going to stall (which is obvious, because the A/C button activates the compressor clutch), but when I drive the car and I come to a stop, idle drops down to let's say 600 RPMs, then spikes up to 1,500 then goes back to normal idle at 800-900. A/C clutch seems to be spinning at all times, but I assume it stops spinning when it drops in idle. Now I have an Acura Integra Type R motor swapped into my 1999 Civic Hatch, and I have friends who don't have this issue, I've had it for about 2 years and can't get my head around it. I've been to mechanics, electricians, and asked forum pages what the issue could be, and I've been told it's normal, but I don't think it is because other people have had A/C in their car without issues. I've done everything possible and done research, but I have zero idea. I could suspect condenser is on its way out? Or its out ages ago but it holds freon fine, have had the pressure checked and its holding good.
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 AT 5:48 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

This could be due to a faulty idle air control valve (IAC).
The IAC controls the engine speed during idle, it changes the amount of air goes into the engine depending on the engine load.
So, when the compressor gets turned on it is supposed to allow more air through and adjust the idle, which prevents large drops on the idle speed. On a well-functioning IAC you will see a little drop in idle but not a large swing.

Here are a couple of helpful guides:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-idle-air-control-valve-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-idle-speed-control-motor-iac

I have attached diagrams below for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
NOSAJ450N
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I don't think it is the IACV, because last year I replaced it with a brand new one from Honda Japan and it hasn't fixed the issue. So far, i've replaced IACV, checked Freon levels and pressure (all good), checked Relays, Grounds are all good, A/C condenser might be an issue but gave it a clean and still drops low in idle, compressor seems like it's working, clutch is engaging even when idling low.
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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 AT 11:54 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Does the A/C clutch make any noise when it engages? If there is excess resistance on the clutch at the beginning, it can drop the RPMs more than usual.
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Thursday, March 24th, 2022 AT 9:27 PM

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