Engine stalling?

2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

98,653 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

SILVERANGEL096

MEMBER
1 POST

My car engine has started dying when I turn on my air conditioner. It just started today when I was idling, waiting to pull into traffic...my air conditioning was on and the car was running fine and all of a sudden it cut out. It would not start until I turned off my air conditioner, then it started and ran fine. Any ideas? I'm 9 months pregnant and due any day now and really need to get it fixed before my lil one decides to come! Thanks in advance!

Dec 8, 2007 at 6:25 AM

CZBONE

MEMBER
20 POSTS

There's probably an a/c cutout switch that's not working. I would imagine it would probably be located in the fuse compartment under the hood. Just a guess.

Dec 8, 2007 at 1:55 PM

STRAILER

✓Experienced Mechanic
55,561 POSTS

It sounds like the compressor clutch is shorting out, to be sure I would disconnect the electrical connector at the compressor to confirm. Here is how to change the part out in case you need to see how it is done.

This guide can help show you how to charge the system

https://youtu.be/4EqdrBVb0sY?si=CFCbP73KyQXWloUt

Check out the images (below). Let us know what you find.

Images (Click to enlarge)