Acura ZDX Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(3,385)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(3,385)

Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection Service

How much does a Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Acura ZDX Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2012 Acura ZDXV6-3.7LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$132.49 - $145.62
2011 Acura ZDXV6-3.7LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2010 Acura ZDXV6-3.7LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2013 Acura ZDXV6-3.7LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.48 - $125.60
Show example Acura ZDX Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection prices

For most of us, turning on the AC on a hot summer day is a relief. Cooled air fills the cabin and you’re able to relax and drive comfortably. However, if your car surges with the AC on, then there’s definitely a problem that needs to be hunted down and repaired.

How this system works:

First, understand that this problem isn’t tied to just one system – it’s a combination of different things. When your AC turns on, it puts a load on the engine (the engine is responsible for turning the compressor, which builds pressure in the system, which allows low-pressure, gaseous refrigerant to be turned into high-pressure liquid and used in your cooling system.

When the engine is put under a load by the AC system, the car’s computer automatically attempts to compensate for that by adjusting the idle. If there is carbon buildup within any part of the system, including the idle air control valve, throttle body, or possibly even the EGR valve, it can cause surging. The car’s computer essentially miscalculates the amount of power necessary, and ends up overshooting, leading to a surging engine.

Any problem with the AC system can also exacerbate this condition. For instance, if the system is low on refrigerant, the compressor will kick on more often, causing the surging to increase in frequency (if not in intensity).

Common reasons for this to happen:

Carbon Buildup: A number of engine components are subject to carbon buildup over time, and this can place a significant load on the engine. When the additional load of your AC compressor is added, it causes the computer to miscalculate and increase idle speed too much. Common sources of carbon buildup include the IAC valve, the EGR valve, and the throttle body.

  • Low Refrigerant in the AC System: If your AC system is low on refrigerant, it will make the compressor cycle on more frequently, increasing the load on your engine.

  • Failing AC Compressor: If your AC compressor is beginning to fail, this can also add to the surging problem.

  • Bad Belt: One often overlooked cause of a car surging with the AC on is actually a worn compressor belt. If the belt is stretched or worn smooth, it can slip during operation. This places significant strain on the engine and the AC system. Replacing the belt often eliminates the surge, and ensures better AC operation.

  • Bad AC Cycling Switch: The AC cycling switch controls the compressor cycling pattern. Over time, it can go bad. When this happens, it will place a significant load on the engine and can lead to surging.

  • Overfilled AC System: While low refrigerant can cause problems with your AC and engine surging, an overfilled system can cause the same problem. Refrigerant must be “just right” or you will experience a number of different problems.

What to expect:

Our professional mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to inspect the engine and the air conditioning system. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect the AC system, as well as the vehicle’s engine. A test drive may be necessary if the surging only occurs when the car is in drive. The mechanic will check the car’s refrigerant level, as well as other possible causes, such as the AC cycling switch.

How important is this service?

If your engine is surging while the AC is on, it’s a sign that there’s something wrong. Driving without the air conditioner might solve it at least temporarily, but this is only a short-term fix. The actual problem must be addressed. One of our professional mechanics can inspect and diagnose your problem, and then provide a repair that ensures your engine runs smoothly and that your AC system works correctly.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Acura mechanics

Real customer reviews from Acura owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(3,385)

Rating Summary
3,188
95
25
23
54
3,188
95
25
23
54

Matthew

33 years of experience
1259 reviews
Matthew
33 years of experience
Acura ZDX V6-3.7L - Timing Belt - Toano, Virginia
Very much professional.. Explained the task at hand. Showed the old parts taken away. in the future will work with you guys real soon and would like Matt to return for the requested service. And I m glad I found you guys on line..

Chris

18 years of experience
495 reviews
Chris
18 years of experience
Acura ZDX V6-3.7L - compressor discharge hose - Houston, Texas
Mr. Chris G. arrived on time and performed the work efficiently. Recommended...

Ben

41 years of experience
1441 reviews
Ben
41 years of experience
Acura ZDX V6-3.7L - Timing Belt - Cypress, Texas
Mr. Ben is extremely personable, patient and knowledgeable. I had a great experience. I was curious and he was very patient to explain every step, and also got the work done on time. I will definitely recommend him for any automotive needs.

Danny

11 years of experience
269 reviews
Danny
11 years of experience
Acura TSX L4-2.4L - Stabilizer Bar Links Replacement (Front) - Burlington, New Jersey
Satisfied with Danny's work, found him friendly and knowledgeable.

Excellent Rating

(3,385)

Rating Summary
3,188
95
25
23
54
3,188
95
25
23
54
Number of Acura services completed
37235+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Acura MECHANICS
1000+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Symptoms of Bad or Failing Wheel Bearings
Common signs include abnormal tire wear, grinding or roaring noise from the tire area, vibration in the steering wheel, and play in the wheels.
How to Find Deals on Car Rentals
Car rental companies ideally want you to pay the top price for every car you rent (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/4-essential-things-to-know-before-renting-a-car). But, in a market so saturated, price competition is at an all-time high. With the amount of options available for car rentals, there...
10 Best Stores to Buy Auto Parts in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Automotive technicians rely on auto parts stores to add and replace car parts. The best auto parts shop in Oklahoma City is O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Windows won't close

Looking at the wiring diagram for your vehicle, I don't see any part of the circuit that would affect both rear windows, without also affecting the front. Because of this, my guess is that you have two failed power window...

How do you keep an engine from cracking in cold weather without a radiator?

Hi there. The best thing to do is remove the radiator cap to the radiator and try to untwist the lower radiator hose if you can. If you cannot untwist the hose and the coolant is full or if there...

Very slow coolant leak

Hi there. I wouldn't assume that you have a coolant leak based on coolant being present after the vehicle overheated. In most cases, the coolant will boil out of the radiator cap and cause this type of 'spillage'. If you've...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com