Is this an A/C compressor problem?

[drfeelgood]

So my Jeep Commander Hemi shudders and feels sluggish when I turn on the A/C, especially at low speed. I don't hear any unusual noises, but it feels like there is additional drag on the whole drivetrain. Once up to speed, not really noticeable. A/c still blows fairly cold, though it has never been particularly strong like some of our GM vehicles. I began noticing this a couple years ago, but seems to be worse recently. No warning lights or codes. The belt doesn't look frayed or torn up. Google says possible idle air control valve as well, ?engine mounts as well as A/C compressor possibilities.
Does this sound familiar to anyone?

 

[Chris142]

Is the condenser fan(s) working?

 

[drfeelgood]

Is the condenser fan(s) working?

Not sure. A/C is definitely one of my weak areas in automotive skills. How would I check that?

 

[Chris142]

Not sure. A/C is definitely one of my weak areas in automotive skills. How would I check that

Start the engine turn on the ac and open the hood and look.

 

[JavierH19]

If it does have an iac then that might be it. The computer receives a command that the ac comp will turn on so it commands more air to the engine usually right before it engages the clutch. Kind of like how the carbs back then had an ac idle adjust solenoid to blip the throttle to prevent this. There's also supposed to be one for the hydraulic power steering for when the wheel is turned and if it fails the engine can stumble a bit but it'd do that with or without AC on.

If you can take the belt off and spin the comp. A brand new compressor can be super tight to where you'd think it's bad but a broken in compressor should move easily with only a bit of drag as you'd want those pistons to have some tightness to seal and make pressure.

When the AC runs do you notice any ice or thick frosting before the orifice tube on the suction/low side line. I don't think it has a txv but it might. It can have both like my old yukon which has the fot up front and a txv for rear ac. A system that is low will do that and also not drip from the evaporator while running until the ac is turned off then the frozen up evaporator will warm up and quickly dump lots of water at once. A system that is low will struggle to return oil back to the compressor and will leave it trapped in the evaporator. The compressor will overheat and die soon.

It's very difficult to recharge even the simple fot style systems with a cheap can kit and impossible on a txv and variable compressor one but icing on the vapor line and lack of constant evaporator dripping on a hot humid day while running then lots of water running out when the comp is shut off is an obvious sign of a low charge.

 

[mk378]

If there are electric fans they should be on with A/C on and car sitting still. If the condenser is not kept cool by the fans, the pressure will rise causing the compressor to bog down the engine.

 

[Chris142]

If there are electric fans they should be on with A/C on and car sitting still. If the condenser is not kept cool by the fans, the pressure will rise causing the compressor to bog down the engine.

Ya this

 

[grasscutter]

It could be the idle air control valve struggling to maintain engine rpm when the compressor kicks on.