Nissan LEAF Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(11,655)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(11,655)

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 Nissan LEAF 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
2013 Nissan LEAFElectricService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2021 Nissan LEAFElectricService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2015 Nissan LEAFElectricService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2022 Nissan LEAFElectricService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2011 Nissan LEAFElectricService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2016 Nissan LEAFElectricService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2014 Nissan LEAFElectricService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
2020 Nissan LEAFElectricService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Nissan LEAF 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.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Nissan mechanics

Real customer reviews from Nissan owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(11,655)

Rating Summary
10,921
389
83
56
206
10,921
389
83
56
206

Brian

23 years of experience
696 reviews
Brian
23 years of experience
Nissan Xterra V6-4.0L - Car surges when air conditioning is on - Jacksonville, Florida
Brian was very helpful and had a very pleasant and professional demeanor. He made me very comfortable asking question and gave very clear ezplanations.

Mitchel

24 years of experience
239 reviews
Mitchel
24 years of experience
Nissan Xterra V6-4.0L - Oil Change - Miami, Florida
Honest thoughtful and genuine. I really enjoy Mitchell’s approach and him taking the time to explain his work and what’s needed.

Esteban

18 years of experience
5 reviews
Esteban
18 years of experience
Nissan Altima L4-2.5L - Parking / Emergency Brake does not work - Billerica, Massachusetts
Very knowledgeable and professional! He explained the problem well even a novice like me could understand.

Joseph

33 years of experience
540 reviews
Joseph
33 years of experience
Nissan 280ZX L6-2.8L - Clutch Master Cylinder - Dallas, Texas
Joseph was prompt, knowledgable, tested thoroughly and was a pleasure to work with.

Excellent Rating

(11,655)

Rating Summary
10,921
389
83
56
206
10,921
389
83
56
206
Number of Nissan services completed
128205+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Nissan MECHANICS
1500+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How to Buy Good Quality Suspension Springs
Coil Coil springs, also known as suspension springs, are the part of your vehicle that helps cut down on the excessive up and down movement when you are driving. These springs support the vehicle and soak up the bumps that...
Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in Michigan
Michigan Michigan defines distracted driving as any non-driving activity that takes the driver’s eyes away from the road while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. These distractions are further broken down into three main areas: manual, cognitive, and visual....
How to Drive Your Manual Transmission Car With a Broken Clutch
If you drive a car with a manual transmission, there will likely come a point in time when the clutch wears out (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-a-clutch-last)...

Which Sensors Can Be Cleaned Instead of Being Replaced?

In most cases, sensors for your automobile will need to be replaced if they fail, but depending on the type of sensor and its location or function, some can be cleaned and reused (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/can-sensors-be-cleaned-or-do-they-need-to-be-replaced). Sensors can come in many types...

Heater blows cold air

Hi, thanks for writing in. If your heater is not blowing warm air, the first thing I would recommend checking your coolant level. The engine coolant heats up as the engine heats up. When this happens and the heat is...

check engine light is on and gas light is flashing on my 1998 s420 mercedes Benz

Hi Jesse. Thanks for contacting us today. In most cases, a faulty gas cap or one that is not screwed on tight will cause the gas light and check engine light to illuminate. it's also possible that one of the...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com