Problem
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 14
From: Vale, NC
I think we might need some more info, like size motor, miles and all. It's not a diesel is it?
Couple of things that could help would include pulling the throttle body and cleaning it out. I did mine the other day. I used throttle body cleaner which is apparently less harsh than brake cleaner or carb cleaner. Mine was pretty "gummy" and a good cleaning really seemed worthwhile in smoothing out the idle. The dealer had the gasket for $7 or so. Plus, it only 30 minutes to do.
I've seen posts on here about the MAF - which I think is the Mass Air Flow sensor (not positive) - and cleaning it or replacing it also. Might search the forum on that one.
You could always go 2-40..... 2 windows down, 40 mph.... the cheapest form of air conditioning! Good luck.
Couple of things that could help would include pulling the throttle body and cleaning it out. I did mine the other day. I used throttle body cleaner which is apparently less harsh than brake cleaner or carb cleaner. Mine was pretty "gummy" and a good cleaning really seemed worthwhile in smoothing out the idle. The dealer had the gasket for $7 or so. Plus, it only 30 minutes to do.
I've seen posts on here about the MAF - which I think is the Mass Air Flow sensor (not positive) - and cleaning it or replacing it also. Might search the forum on that one.
You could always go 2-40..... 2 windows down, 40 mph.... the cheapest form of air conditioning! Good luck.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,353
Likes: 4,388
From: SW VA
Not if it's a F150 
Make sure the bearings on your compressor are not beginning to lock up. Take the belt off and spin the pulley. Make sure it spins freely with no noises...also, grab the pulley and try to rock it up and down...there should be no play in it.
Make sure the bearings on your compressor are not beginning to lock up. Take the belt off and spin the pulley. Make sure it spins freely with no noises...also, grab the pulley and try to rock it up and down...there should be no play in it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 8
diesel2008:
"My truck runs rough when I run the a/c but when I turn the a/c off it's runs ok. Any ideas what the problem could be?"
Diesel2008's "truck runs rough when (he) run(s) the a/c" but is "ok" when its "off". If you "spin the pulley" to see if "it spins freely" you are only checking the AC clutch idle bearing "off" NOT the compressor's bearings "on".
He could try turning the the AC clutch spring plate (at front) by hand, w/o removing belt, to assess the compressor's condition, but you might need experience to judge resistance, unless it's really "beginning to lock up". Often AC compressors break down internally, while their bearings remain just fine. In either case the norm is to replace it. Occasionally a balky compressor is just low on oil & an oil recharge can make them run awhile longer. If any extra resistance is felt adding oil is worth a try, if only temporary.
"My truck runs rough when I run the a/c but when I turn the a/c off it's runs ok. Any ideas what the problem could be?"
He could try turning the the AC clutch spring plate (at front) by hand, w/o removing belt, to assess the compressor's condition, but you might need experience to judge resistance, unless it's really "beginning to lock up". Often AC compressors break down internally, while their bearings remain just fine. In either case the norm is to replace it. Occasionally a balky compressor is just low on oil & an oil recharge can make them run awhile longer. If any extra resistance is felt adding oil is worth a try, if only temporary.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
I am sorry for not mentioning the size of my engine. I have the 5.4 trition. When I run the a/c, my truck runs rough in terms of idleing, accelerating, etc. I was thinking perhaps changing the plugs and wires?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 8
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, ID
Could there possibly be a vacuum leak associated with the AC selector switch in the cab? would that cause it to run rough?? Just shooting out ideas...
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