Vehicle stalls when A/C is turned on

79,000 MILES • 3.4L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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371ONTHEGO
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  • 1 POST
With the car running, I turn on the A/C and it stalls out. I turn off the A/C and I can turn the motor on again.
Apr 28, 2022 at 9:47 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,244 POSTS
Hi,

If this only happens when the engine is at idle speed, chances are the issue is related to the idle air control valve (IAC). The IAC is responsible for maintaining the engine's idle speed. When an additional load is placed on the engine, the IAC is signaled to open a bit more allowing the idle speed to increase and compensate for the added load.

The IAC is located on the throttle body. What can happen is this. First, it can fail. Also, there can be an issue with the PCM controlling it. However, most commonly there is a build-up of carbon and dirt causing it to stick.

Take a look through this link. It will better explain what I'm referring to.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-idle-air-control-valve-works

I would first try cleaning/servicing it as well as the throttle body. Here are links that explain how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Let me know if this helps. Also, let me know if you scanned the computer for diagnostic trouble codes. If you have and retrieved codes, let me know what they are.

Take care.

Joe
Apr 29, 2022 at 1:20 PM
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