Ford F-150 Heritage Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection at your home or office.

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Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection Service

How much does a Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford F-150 Heritage Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2004 Ford F-150 HeritageV8-5.4LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2004 Ford F-150 HeritageV6-4.2LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2004 Ford F-150 HeritageV8-5.4L TurboService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2004 Ford F-150 HeritageV8-4.6LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
Show example Ford F-150 Heritage Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection prices

For most of us, turning on the AC on a hot summer day is a relief. Cooled air fills the cabin and you’re able to relax and drive comfortably. However, if your car surges with the AC on, then there’s definitely a problem that needs to be hunted down and repaired.

How this system works:

First, understand that this problem isn’t tied to just one system – it’s a combination of different things. When your AC turns on, it puts a load on the engine (the engine is responsible for turning the compressor, which builds pressure in the system, which allows low-pressure, gaseous refrigerant to be turned into high-pressure liquid and used in your cooling system.

When the engine is put under a load by the AC system, the car’s computer automatically attempts to compensate for that by adjusting the idle. If there is carbon buildup within any part of the system, including the idle air control valve, throttle body, or possibly even the EGR valve, it can cause surging. The car’s computer essentially miscalculates the amount of power necessary, and ends up overshooting, leading to a surging engine.

Any problem with the AC system can also exacerbate this condition. For instance, if the system is low on refrigerant, the compressor will kick on more often, causing the surging to increase in frequency (if not in intensity).

Common reasons for this to happen:

Carbon Buildup: A number of engine components are subject to carbon buildup over time, and this can place a significant load on the engine. When the additional load of your AC compressor is added, it causes the computer to miscalculate and increase idle speed too much. Common sources of carbon buildup include the IAC valve, the EGR valve, and the throttle body.

  • Low Refrigerant in the AC System: If your AC system is low on refrigerant, it will make the compressor cycle on more frequently, increasing the load on your engine.

  • Failing AC Compressor: If your AC compressor is beginning to fail, this can also add to the surging problem.

  • Bad Belt: One often overlooked cause of a car surging with the AC on is actually a worn compressor belt. If the belt is stretched or worn smooth, it can slip during operation. This places significant strain on the engine and the AC system. Replacing the belt often eliminates the surge, and ensures better AC operation.

  • Bad AC Cycling Switch: The AC cycling switch controls the compressor cycling pattern. Over time, it can go bad. When this happens, it will place a significant load on the engine and can lead to surging.

  • Overfilled AC System: While low refrigerant can cause problems with your AC and engine surging, an overfilled system can cause the same problem. Refrigerant must be “just right” or you will experience a number of different problems.

What to expect:

Our professional mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to inspect the engine and the air conditioning system. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect the AC system, as well as the vehicle’s engine. A test drive may be necessary if the surging only occurs when the car is in drive. The mechanic will check the car’s refrigerant level, as well as other possible causes, such as the AC cycling switch.

How important is this service?

If your engine is surging while the AC is on, it’s a sign that there’s something wrong. Driving without the air conditioner might solve it at least temporarily, but this is only a short-term fix. The actual problem must be addressed. One of our professional mechanics can inspect and diagnose your problem, and then provide a repair that ensures your engine runs smoothly and that your AC system works correctly.

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Meet some of our expert Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(26)

Rating Summary
25
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Walter

46 years of experience
355 reviews
Walter
46 years of experience
Ford F-150 Heritage V8-5.4L Turbo - Alternator Repair - Owasso, Oklahoma
Very knowledgeable mechanic he definitely knows what he is doing.

Aldo

12 years of experience
34 reviews
Aldo
12 years of experience
Ford F-150 Heritage V8-4.6L - Oil Change - Tucson, Arizona
This was Aldo's second time working on my truck. It was just an oil change. But Aldo arrived a few minutes early after texting he was on his way. He got the job done quickly, efficiently, and without making a mess. His work ethic and work quality are far above expectations.

Christopher

12 years of experience
36 reviews
Christopher
12 years of experience
Ford F-150 Heritage V6-4.2L - Fuel Pump - Longwood, Florida
Very pleasant guy, got the job done quickly! Would highly recommend~

ALEX

23 years of experience
43 reviews
ALEX
23 years of experience
Ford F-150 Heritage V6-4.2L - Oil/Fluid Leak - Citrus Heights, California
Showed up right on time was through and professional. Would definitely ask for him again.

Excellent Rating

(26)

Rating Summary
25
1
0
0
0
25
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Number of Ford F-150 Heritage services completed
286+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

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