1998 Ford Escort A/C Rough Idle

FORD ESCORT
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SNOWBOARDV
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  • 4 POSTS
1998 Ford Escort 115,000. When I turn the Air conditioning on in the car while its running it starts running really rough, choking sputtering and shaking. What should I look for or do?
Aug 4, 2006 at 10:18 AM
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TAURUSWHEEL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 718 POSTS
Is the idle dropping way down??
Aug 4, 2006 at 1:05 PM
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SNOWBOARDV
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
yes it is, it seems like its choking and starts idleing high then low
Aug 4, 2006 at 8:48 PM
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TAURUSWHEEL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 718 POSTS
your pcm should maintain correct idle speed while a\c is on, if it drops low, then car could start struggling a bit under the low idle, possibly your idle control is suspect..
Aug 5, 2006 at 1:34 AM
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SNOWBOARDV
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  • 4 POSTS
alright, i'll check it out. but it does sound like that,when u turn on the a/c it'll start struggling, and the engine will shake, like you were driving at high speeds but they're more like short jolts, and then it'll sit sometimes fine
Aug 5, 2006 at 7:04 AM

Suggested Repair

Check the idle air control system. The PCM should hold a stable idle when the A/C is on; a low or fluctuating idle can make the engine struggle and shake.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Ford Escort with 115,000 miles runs rough, sputters, and shakes when the A/C is turned on while running. The owner confirmed the idle drops and then fluctuates high and low. The expert said the PCM should maintain idle speed with the A/C on and suspected the idle control system.

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