2002 Chevy Cavalier AC RPM Surge

2002 CHEVROLET TRUCK
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JMO1978
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  • 2 POSTS
I have a 2002 Chevy Cavaliar and it has about 83,000 on it. For a year now when i put on the A/C the RPMs go crazy. Of course you only really notice when you are stopped and if its on too long the car stalls. But it also includes the heater (not as bad).

But now the air isn't so cool when you stop or it actually gets warm. The heat did work but it still had the same problem and I would have to turn it off.

I just want to know what it could be before I go spend a ton of money on this.
Apr 21, 2006 at 6:10 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Have someone check the voltage across the battery. 13.5 to 14.7 volts. Make sure the cables and all grounds have been removed and cleaned. It sounds like a voltage problem. Also have a mechanic check the AC voltage component output of the alternator across the battery. It should not exceed 5 volts ac
Apr 21, 2006 at 11:22 AM
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JMO1978
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If I take this to a mechanic can I specifically tell them what to look for. Last time I took it in ...over a yr ago they couldn't get the problem to mimic at that time. And they charged me 200 to really do nothing.
Apr 23, 2006 at 6:30 AM
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Suggested Repair

Have the charging system checked: battery voltage should be 13.5 to 14.7 volts, battery cables and grounds should be removed and cleaned, and alternator AC ripple measured across the battery should not exceed 5 volts AC.

Conversation Summary

A 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier with about 83,000 miles surges in RPM when the A/C is on, especially at a stop, and can stall if left on too long. The heater causes a milder version of the same issue, and cooling has become weak or warm at stops. An expert recommended checking battery voltage, cleaning cables and grounds, and measuring alternator AC ripple, which should stay under 5 volts AC. The owner asked what to tell a mechanic after a prior visit could not reproduce the problem.

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