Car jerks when the A/C is on?

2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
250,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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DEREK SHERLOCK
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  • 2 POSTS
My vehicle will jerk when I'm driving with the A/C on, and it will also jerk when I am stopped at an intersection with the car in drive. if i put it in park or idle it does not do this.
Jun 29, 2023 at 7:39 AM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,249 POSTS
Do these jerks occur when the A/C is on only? If not, the engine sounds like it is misfiring, I would do a full tune up including serving the throttle body and replacing the coil module.

Here are two generic guides to help you fix the problem with instructions below for your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Spark Plug Type .................... GM P/N 12569190 (A/C DELCO P/N 41-981)

Gap 0.95 - 1.1 mm (0.037 - 0.043 in)

Torque 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
Jun 30, 2023 at 3:44 AM
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DEREK SHERLOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No, when the A/C is off it does not jerk at all. It runs nice and smoothly. only when i turn the A/C on, it will do it while I'm driving. and if i am parked at an intersection with the car in drive it will kick and sometimes shut off.
Jun 30, 2023 at 7:25 AM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,249 POSTS
Okay, then the A/C compressor is starting to lock up, please don't run the A/C system anymore.

here is a guide to help change it out with instructions in the images below to help with your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

and

https://youtu.be/4EqdrBVb0sY

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.


Jul 1, 2023 at 4:32 AM
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