A/C makes a huge difference! Is this normal?

[Racerbox77]

My 04' SVTF runs great when the AC is off. But when the AC is on it literally can't get out of its own way from a stand still. I'm not talking about driving fast just driving normal. I know the AC takes some hp to run but this feels like it's loosing 50% of its power.
Anyone else have this? Is this normal? Makes me not like driving the car. Hell, my woman's Corolla has more balls when the AC is on.

Update - Per advice in this thread I took my IAC valve off and cleaned it. Car runs a lot better now when the AC is on. Thanks guys!

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[Sponsor]

[lyonsroar]

yes. leave the A/C off...

[zetecDon]

I never had this problem with my regular ZX3. You might need to check to make sure everything else is up to par and it's not just your A/C draining the power.

[Nintendo]

Same thing happened to me, but I have the 130hp zetec-e automatic in a 2000 model year.

AC works great, blows cold, but kills the performance...normal acceleration from a stop light, the car just hangs. I feel sorry for the cars behind me. Granted its only a few seconds longer I guess, but still.

Its not an Acura TL with 260hp or anything, so I just though it was normal.

[aggrivatedowner03]

I have an 03 SE and mine did same thing. Had to turn it off when taking off from light or getting onto freeway, then it spits/sputters when driving. So i stopped using it. I live in phoenix. So i decided to try my a/c again and my car stalled! Wtf. *sigh*

[lyonsroar]

If it stalls you might have a problem. I'd look into cleaning or replacing the IAC, idle air control valve.

[aggrivatedowner03]

Ok, i can have that checked. I was thinking its because i have a pathetically sick engine. I just posted a thread about getting a rebuilt engine and/or is it worth it. I really dont want car payments, but the present state of my focus is ridiculous.

[#1fordfan]

my 2005 5 speed 2.0 is the same way. About the only time I use a/c is when the kids are in the car,otherwise it's windows and the full power(what little power there is,lol) of the engine. I would rather sweat a little and get the max mpg's then get sucky gas mileage and no power.

[Bryan23ferra]

My 07 with a 2.0 has the same problem. But with mine, it doesn't get very cold, and at long idles, the air gets warm. I took the liberty of checking the freon. It is EXACTLY where it's supposed to be. I have a brand new tensioner and belt on there. Everything was fine for a week, after that the belt started hoping and screeching with the AC on, just like before they were replaced. I was thinking maybe the compressor is going out?

[ImmortalMort]

Originally Posted by Bryan23ferra

My 07 with a 2.0 has the same problem. But with mine, it doesn't get very cold, and at long idles, the air gets warm. I took the liberty of checking the freon. It is EXACTLY where it's supposed to be. I have a brand new tensioner and belt on there. Everything was fine for a week, after that the belt started hoping and screeching with the AC on, just like before they were replaced. I was thinking maybe the compressor is going out?

Try a compressor clutch before you do a whole compressor, it'll be cheaper than replacing the whole unit.