Car tries to die when AC is on?

I have a 99 Ford contour svt has 2.5 v6 dohc. When my AC unit is on the car wants to die the battery light comes on I lose power steering. I replaced the AC compressor so I know its not locking up the serpentine belt squeals too with the AC on… When its off it runs fine any clue ways causing this?

Check the Idle Air Control. This adjusts the idle on the car when loads such as AC or when you pout the transmission into drive. The reason the ATL comes on and you lose some power steering is that the engine is idling too slow for the alternator to produce an output and the power steering pump cna't produce enough pressure. A squealing belt could be caused by grease or oil on the belt or a failing serpentine belt tensioner. Even a replacement compressor could have problems especially when you by cheap ones from "off-brand" parts houses (my experience with my car).

Replace the belt

It's actually the alternator. Crank the car and disconnect the battery. If the car dies it's the alternator. If not it may be the battery. Rebuilding the alternator is very simple, a few screws and a new set of brushes and it will be like new.

Replace the serpentine belt

  • Why doe my car start, sturtter, then die? I have a 2006 Ford freestyle, sometimes when I start it, it will stutter and die. When this happens all I have to do is give it some gas and it will start just fine. Is this a problem with the fuel pump? Or something else?
  • What's causes a 2001 ford exsporer to die when you turn on head lights? I have a 2001 ford exsporer sport track with a 4.0 and it will ideal as long as the mass air flow sensor is un plugger but dies if its plugged in or when I turn on the head lights it will die to
  • Why did my car start and die when put into gear? Now it won't start at all? It's a cold winter day (below zero) Car started right up! I let it run for about 2 minutes, I put it in gear and it just died. I figured it's cold out, not real surprising, but when I tried to start it again, it won't start! Turns over fine but engie won't start! Any ideas? 2003 Ford Taurus 3.0L
  • 2000 Ford Ranger v6 4.0 ltr, my tuck started to cut out and die? I flushed the cooling system and then filled it with water and cleaner, then ran it for about 10 minutes then let it cool, then I drained it and filled it with new coolant; I ran it to get it warm an then it started to die, almost like its not getting enough air or gas. I have no clue what happened or what could happen it seems pretty idiot proof to screw up I don't know what to do.

Add Comment