When A/C is on truck starts to stall

TOYPACIFIC

MEMBER
2004 NISSAN FRONTIER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

So I have this issue with the A/C when on. When I turn on A/C it's like my truck starts to bug out but when I switch it off it seems to be fine. Any advice is appreciated.

Thursday, February 13th, 2020 AT 8:41 PM

6 Replies

JOETECHPRO

MECHANIC
705 POSTS

Hey TOYPACIFIC,

Is it only at idle that you are experiencing problems?

If you switch the A/C on whilst driving to you have any problems?

It sounds like you may have a problem with the idle up control valve not adjusting for A/C operation. The idle is generally adjusted by the idle air control valve but there is an additional air supply added by the idle up control valve with A/C on.

I have added a troubleshooting guide for a problem with the idle up control valve.

If the problem is with the idle run through the guide and see what you get.

Any questions on the testing procedure please do not hesitate to ask.

Regards, Joe

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Thursday, February 13th, 2020 AT 11:26 PM

TOYPACIFIC

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159 POSTS

Yes, the truck only does it when running it feels sluggish. On idle it's fine with A/C on. But A/C on when running it feels like it will shut off.

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Friday, February 14th, 2020 AT 12:09 AM

TOYPACIFIC

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159 POSTS

Especially going up hill if A/C is on its really bad, but when A/C off it climbs normal.

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Friday, February 14th, 2020 AT 12:12 AM

JOETECHPRO

MECHANIC
705 POSTS

Hey TOYPACIFIC,

Will the engine hesitate without the A/C on if the engine is warm and you accelerate hard up a steep hill?

Is the check engine light on?

Can you please check for engine management fault codes and let us know what you have.

The extra load of the A/C may be causing a misfire or a hesitation.

You could either have a problem with the A/C compressor causing too much draw on the motor if it is worn or you could have the beginning of an ignition, fuelling or air intake problem that only shows under heavy load.

Regards, Joe

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Friday, February 14th, 2020 AT 2:52 PM

TOYPACIFIC

MEMBER
159 POSTS

Thanks Joe, I think I may have found the problem. I started to smell a metal burn like smell coming through the A/C vents. Then opened the hood and noticed some smoke from the catalytic converter. I think I have a clogged up one which is causing the decrease in power and the sluggish performance.
I'll double check the codes though to be sure. Thank you