Very erratic power with A/C

[Leinad]

I have a 1998 eclipse with the 420a (still NT). Normally when driving my car it accelerates smoothly through all gears (manual trans). When I turn the A/C on not only do I loose power (expected) But the smooth acceleration turns into "erratic boosts" of power. As in one second im accelerating fairly smoothly then the car bucks slightly and begins to accelerate "ok" again. It's extremly noticable during the lower gears with city driving but it seems to calm down a bit when on the highway at higher speeds. I did a search on the A/C but didn't really find anything that was like my problem. Could someone help me out maybe?

 

[92awddsm]

Sounds like the ac clutch kicking in. Does it pull smooth then all of a sudden jerk slightly and feel like it is pulling an extra 1000lbs?

 

[Leinad]

Does it pull smooth then all of a sudden jerk slightly and feel like it is pulling an extra 1000lbs?

Counldn't have put it better myself. Thats exactly what it feels like. Is there a fix for this?

 

[rjdavis21]

yeh mine does the same thing and thats why i rarely use A/C unless its reallllly hot or humid. these 4 bangers arent strong enuff for A/C unless on the highway or under boost ...also I think automatics have a little less problem with this?

 

[Leinad]

Is this a normal situation that occurs with all DSM's or is this just happening to davis and I. Could someone please tell me if I need to either ignore it and continue getting whiplash while the A/C is on (exageration) or can I fix this?

: )
Daniel

 

[92awddsm]

It is normal. Only way to keep this from happening is to not use the ac.

 

[rjdavis21]

well i dont have jerking....its just a total loss of power and kills the RPM's quick between shifting causing a sort of jerk but u might have something more the way your talking mines not that bad. its tolerable.

 

[Leinad]

When sitting still the idle surges also. It jumps to around 1500 then goes back down to 900ish(only when a/c is on). I dont know if that could have anything to do with the jerky driving. Also it jerks THROUGH the gear not just at the beginning of my shift.