1996 Ford Ranger engine dies when you turn air conditioning

STEVEH9801

MEMBER
1996 FORD RANGER
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
130,000 MILES

I am looking at buying a ford ranger, the guy is having trouble selling it right now cause he said that it just started but when you turn the A/C on the engine dies. He said he is waiting on his son to come back into town and he thinks its just a relay and if thats all it is then it would only cost about 10 bucks to fix. Does this make sense? I don't know the guy so I have no reason to trust him at all but if it is just a relay I can save a couple of hundred dollars off of his asking price. I live in texas so it is rough without A/C. Thanks very much

5 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Could be that the computer is not receiving the AC signal when the compressor kicks in not commanding the idle speed control motor/valve to raise the idle to compensate for the AC load. Or the idle speed is just too low before the compressor operates-

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Monday, June 16th, 2008 AT 8:37 PM

STEVEH9801

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for getting back so fast on my question. Is this something that could be a major problem. I am looking at buying it as a second car/truck for my son. The guy offered to knock 200 bucks off of his asking price of 1650. He is under the impression that it is the relay. I know you can't be for sure when I ask you that but I don't know the guy and I trust you more than him since he is trying to sell it. Thanks for any answer, Steve

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Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 5:55 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

If there's a problem with the AC relay I don't think the AC will come On-its coming On but stalling is the problem. Raise the idle and see what happens-

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Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 6:24 PM

JOHN POLLARD

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I had a similar issue going on with my 96 2.3l. If the engine is stalling as soon as the AC is turned on, check the IAC. For me, it was the compressor itself that was siezed up at the clutch/pulley and since repairing the already leaking AC system would have cost me more than what I paid for the whole truck, I removed the compressor and replaced the serpintine belt with a shorter one that was made for non AC models

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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Thanks for the addition to the site. I am sure that will help others. Another option is to remove the compressor and just install a bypass pulley. Clearly this is not directed to you because your got yours resolved but another option for those that could see this. Some times there is no a belt option for non AC cars.

Thanks again for adding this info.

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