Engine idle rough

2005 DODGE STRATUS
1,000,000 MILES • 2.1L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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PEACH2571
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
My car already has a idle issue with the fuel or emissions and now that I got my air conditioner fixed it idles ten times rougher than when I am not running the air conditioner. What could be causing it to be worse with the air conditioner going? Almost to the point it almost dies and I can smell fuel really bad inside the car when this happens.
Jun 15, 2016 at 11:22 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,308 POSTS
The air conditioner compressor puts a heavy load on an idling engine so it is going to have to work harder. If the engine is misfiring, you will notice it a lot easier at idle. The check engine light should be on too with a diagnostic fault code telling which cylinder is responsible.

You might also have a simple case of idle speed too low. That occurs after the battery was disconnected or run dead. To solve that, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the pedals.
Jun 15, 2016 at 11:36 PM
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