An intermittant miss at idle with a/c on only

PONTIAC GRAND AM
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DEBLAZE
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I am trying to figure out a problem with a 1997 Grand Am SE w/ the 2.4 litre. When idling it is smooth as can be (in gear or out of gear) until you turn on the air conditioner. As soon as you turn it on the motor starts to miss. From what I've witnessed it seems to be an intermittant miss. Since I am an old school shade tree mechanic I don't have a good guess as to why the air conditioner would cause this. There is a noticable pop at the tail pipe. This is not my car, but the owner says that it has been bad enough to cause a severe hesitation starting from an idle and has even caused the car to die occasionally. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Jul 17, 2006 at 8:57 PM
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XOWEY
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does it drive normally with the A/C off? :?:
Jul 18, 2006 at 11:14 AM
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DEBLAZE
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I haven't heard it miss yet with the a/c off... I hope I'm not thinking too much into it but it seemss strange that the a/c would have such an effect. I put the car in gear and let it idle so that there would be a similar "load" as the a/c with the a/c off and it idles fine that way too.
Jul 18, 2006 at 5:19 PM
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XOWEY
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does the A/C compressor click on and off when this happens?

I'm wondering if the compressor clicking on and off is calling this feeling. :?:
Jul 19, 2006 at 8:04 AM
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HEADHUNTER
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could it be that the speed sensor? i think thats what its called isn't stepping up the rpm when the a/c kicks in?
Jul 22, 2006 at 9:57 AM