I have a 2008 standard Honda fit.
A couple of years ago I got a stick through the condenser. Replaced it, put 1 can of refrigerant with lube in and a can of plain refrigerant. It started dragging engine badly. Took it in to shop where they drew off some of the refrigerant which mostly solved the problem. A/c worked a couple of years till this summer it was not working at all when we started using it again (summer car). Took it in to shop to get AC charged properly and checked for leaks. They couldn’t find any leaks. When I drove it the AC would lug the engine so hard it sounded like it was going to stall the car when sitting in neutral and it wasn’t very cool and not for long. After about 10 minutes drive it would blow out air as warm as or warmer than the outdoor temp (mid 80’s). Took it back to the shop where they fiddled with the pressures a little and got 48 degrees coming from the vents. Engine lugged a little less but when actually using the AC it took about 30 minutes to really start lugging, blowing warm air. Compressor would cycle rapidly and started making a chunking noise that you could feel whenever it kicked on. Turning ac off then on a few minutes later would let it blow cool air for a short time but still lugging engine. It didn’t used to lug the engine. Was told by shop that AC draws 18 HP when running so expect some lugging. Any ideas on what is wrong (with the AC)? Thanks
“AC draws 18 HP when running so expect some lugging.”
Was that guy smiling when he fed you that line of BS . . . ?!
It’s possible your ac compressor is the reason the engine is lugging. Meaning it may be bad
If ac drew 18hp, then your average 4 banger family car would be a menace to society, as soon as the ac compressor engaged, and you’d see a lot more accidents. Because the cars would get bogged down in the middle of intersections, causing hazards
@db4690 LOL. Actually yes he was smiling some. (my wife is the one who took the car in and recorded what he wanted to tell me so she’d get it right). Said the drier might be bad but replaceable for $320 or $340. Will not be taking it to the same shop but need to know what is wrong before I take it somewhere else.
Why would the compressor work for a while then not then work for a little after being off?