# Engine shudders when a/c cycles

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shudders-when-a-c-cycles/54620>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** civic, honda\
**Created:** [September 3, 2010, 8:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shudders-when-a-c-cycles/54620 "2010-09-03T20:53:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![tkupsky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9f8e36/32.png) [@tkupsky](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tkupsky)\
**Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 8:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shudders-when-a-c-cycles/54620/1 "2010-09-03T20:53:22Z")

</div>

When the a/c cyles on my 2001 Civic the engine seems to shudder. Why?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Jeffmw05](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/74df32/32.png) [@Jeffmw05](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jeffmw05)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2010, 12:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shudders-when-a-c-cycles/54620/2 "2010-09-04T00:12:41Z")

</div>

There is an electromagnetic clutch on the compressor which puts a load on the engine when it engages. It’s more noticeable with 4 cylinder engines. My Accord will sometimes actually creep forward a few inches when the a/c cycles.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2010, 12:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shudders-when-a-c-cycles/54620/3 "2010-09-04T12:02:28Z")

</div>

The computer should bump up the idle speed when the A/C is activated to handle the additional load. You may have other issues, like needing a tune-up or a good throttle body cleaning if the engine shudders or stumbles when the A/C comes on.