What Causes the Car to Shake When the AC (air conditioner) is Turned on?

When your vehicle shakes when the air conditioner is turned on, it's an indication that there's an issue that has to be addressed. The majority of people believe that this occurs only when there is a problem with the AC compressor. However, it might be the consequence of a number of factors, which we will address later in this article. To fully comprehend this, you must first learn the names of the engine components and how they interact with the AC compressor.

The vehicle's air conditioner compressor is an essential component. In hot weather, it cools the inside air of a car, creating a comfortable atmosphere for the passengers. With this knowledge, you'll be able to predict when AC systems may fail and how to avoid them.

In this post, we'll look at why the car shakes when the air conditioner is turned on and how to remedy the problem. If you're still not sure, look for full car service near me online and talk to a competent technician at a respected garage.

When the air conditioner is turned on, what causes the car to shake?

All new vehicles come equipped with air conditioning. The air conditioner serves two purposes. The first option is to increase the refrigerant pressure. For heat transfer to occur, the refrigerant must be hotter than the ambient temperature.

The evaporator's second job is to maintain low pressure. This allows the refrigerant to evaporate and absorb heat energy from the cab of the car. It also circulates the compressor oil and refrigerant, which mix and circulate throughout the air conditioning system. Here are some of the reasons why your vehicle shakes when the air conditioner is turned on:

1.     Engine Load 

The air conditioner functions as a miniature engine, putting undue strain on the engine. When you switch on the air conditioner, the car engine activates components like the idle speed or the air control motor. By compensating with an extra drag, you may raise the idle compressor. When the air conditioner is turned on, the car shakes due to the inaccuracy in this operation. When the air conditioner is turned on, the added drag might cause the steering wheel to shake. When the AC is turned on and the steering wheel is turned, the possibilities of the engine stopping rise. If the air conditioner continues to overload the engine, some engine parts will wear out and need to be replaced. Search online for car service near me and book your car in with a qualified car mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue.

2.     Engine Mountings/Foundation 

The engine mountings secure the suspension and engine. The engine and transmission are held in place by the mounts, which keep the engine and transmission at the proper suspension angle. The mounts are put under a lot of stress when you switch on the AC. As a result, when the engine mounts or foundations wear out, vibrations and rattles occur when the air conditioner is turned on. If the engine mount is damaged, vibrations and sounds will become more noticeable. As a result, if you start to feel vibrations, contact your technician to see if the mounts are in good working order or if they need to be changed.

3.     Faulty Throttle Position Sensor 

A faulty TP sensor is another reason why the vehicle shakes while starting. The RPMs are not controlled by a malfunctioning TP sensor. As a result, the car will shake if you turn on the AC when the RPMs are uneven. You'll need to clean or replace the sensor to fix this problem.

4.     Faulty Fuel Injector 

The fuel injector delivers the correct amount of fuel to the engine at the proper moment. If the fuel injector fails, the engine will not get enough fuel, decreasing its performance. When the air conditioner is turned on, the engine is put under even more pressure, and the car begins to vibrate. If the vibrations are caused by this, the fuel injectors will need to be changed.

5.     Old or Damaged Spark Plugs

Another reason your vehicle shakes when the air conditioner is turned on is a faulty or outdated spark plug. A lack of connection during the early electricity generation is the reason of this. It's possible that this is due to a single worn-out or damaged spark plug.

6.     Faulty AC Compressor 

Another common cause of car shaking when accelerating is a malfunctioning AC compressor. Damaged air conditioning exerts an excessive demand on the engine, causing huge vibrations. Accelerate the car while the air conditioner is on to diagnose this. You should replace the AC if you notice a difference in the pick.