Idles rough with air conditioner on

CRAIG GILROY

MEMBER
2010 FORD FOCUS
1.6L
TURBO
2WD
MANUAL
120,000 MILES

When I do not use the air conditioner at all, the car seems to run smooth. When I arrive and switch off, the car jolts and sometimes the fan is left running for a minute after the car is switched off. I have had the cam-belt, engine mounts and clutch replaced. I think it could maybe be the compressor or even the fan belt, as I do not believe its been replaced.

5 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Belt and tensioner recommended replacement is 60,000 miles. Try cleaning throttle plate on both sides and IAC hole with choke cleaner for other problem. Fan should run if car is hot.

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Thursday, July 21st, 2016 AT 5:55 AM

CRAIG GILROY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for the advise. Sorry, I am not a mechanic, so I have little knowledge on all the terminology. Are you referring to the serpentine belt?

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Thursday, July 21st, 2016 AT 6:07 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Yes, or a fan belt as you know it tensioner too. Auto parts can show you.

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Thursday, July 21st, 2016 AT 9:37 AM

CRAIG GILROY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you, that is really helpful. Is it worth mentioning the car seems to lose power when accelerating up hill? Last few days a slipping feeling has come, like the belt is slipping the pulleys? The squealing noise has not started yet, but assuming it is the fan belt, that will come next. This seems to all happen when the engine is hot and the cooling fan kicks in.

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Thursday, July 21st, 2016 AT 10:15 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

It may effect the air conditioner, but as far as losing power If you scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge that may be more of a problem not so much the belt unless your battery is really in poor shape and the alternator is slipping from a poor fan belt. auto parts rent the gauge.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator