AC zaps power

Post by **jblackburn** » 22 May 2011, 14:17

Just wondering,

When driving around on a hot day with the AC on, does anyone else's car feel seriously underpowered in around-town driving? Mine feels like I'm driving around in a little 4-cylinder car, and it compensates by shifting REALLY high. Very annoying.

I'm guessing it probably doesn't affect the 2.4T engines as much.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 22 May 2011, 14:22

urbex · Post by **urbex** » 22 May 2011, 14:55

ecbsykes wrote:I notice it in my car but I don't have any different shifting. The loss of power is there though. I also lose about 3-5 MPG with it on. In addition to all that, I can't go up my usual route to Flagstaff (several 10 mile steep grades) with it on; if I do the temp gauge will slowly start rising past it's happy 3:00 position.

Same in my 850 turbo - there's a definite loss of power, but it's easily compensated for with a bit of extra gas application. Going to WOT shuts off the compressor (as it should), and there's no difference there. I haven't noticed any major drops in MPG with it on, though...maybe 1mpg at most. Also didn't have any problems pulling the grades from Phoenix to Flagstaff, even at 80+mph, with the A/C on the whole time, and at least 500lbs of cargo (probably more).

Post by **jblackburn** » 22 May 2011, 15:06

Maybe my foot compensates more than the car does; but it shifts around 3.5-4 just keeping up with traffic and it's slooooowww to pick up on the power - maybe related to this difference between the 98's and the 850: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =5&t=39254. I lose about 2-3 mpg highway.

Alright, good to know it's normal. Some cars you wouldn't think it would make a difference on do (those with big engines actually), and some you'd think it'd make a huge impact on like an Accord - I can't even tell a difference.

urbex · Post by **urbex** » 22 May 2011, 16:28

The one big thing I do notice on mine is that I think the compressor is quickly cycling on and off a few times a minute, as whenever I have the A/C on, and cruising at a set speed, I can feel what seems like a miss in the engine, but ONLY when the A/C is on. I suspect the freon level is still a bit low, as it cycles at idle more often than it should as well, but of course, I never remember to pick up another can when I'm at the store, lol.