Audi 80 Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection at your home or office.

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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 Audi 80 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
1992 Audi 80L5-2.3LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$132.49 - $145.62
1989 Audi 80L4-2.0LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
1990 Audi 80L4-2.0LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
1988 Audi 80L4-2.0LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.48 - $125.60
1991 Audi 80L5-2.3LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.55 - $125.72
Show example Audi 80 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.

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32 years of experience
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Tony
14 years of experience
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Our Audi wagon had been on PNO for over year, brakes needed to be replace and since there wasn't an urgency it sat in our drive-way. We finally decided to make an appt to replace the brakes and rotors. The morning Tony came, the car wasn't holding a charge. Tony let us keep the car running while he worked on the brakes. Our Audi has over 350k, Tony let us know how many more miles we had on it... He was very knowledgeable in making sure we took proper steps before getting the car smogged for DMV renewal. And the helpful tips saved us some money when we told the car was not ready to be smogged, all by just asking! :D We drove it for hours, getting the battery charged again and it PASSED.

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22 years of experience
Audi A6 L4-2.0L Turbo - Oil Change - Garden Grove, California
I am very pleased with my first experience with Chris. He was on time. After I gave him my car keys, he took care of business while I continued my work in my home office. He did a great job on my car and I look forward to working with Chris in the future on all my auto repair & service needs.

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21 years of experience
354 reviews
Nicholas
21 years of experience
Audi A8 Quattro V8-4.2L - Battery - Denver, Colorado
Absolutely fantastic experience, showed up on time, went through everything I booked him for. Nick is very knowledgeable about my Audi new exactly what to do and how to do it, since German cars can be a little different. Afterward he went though all the pics he took and the inspection, I couldn't be happier with assessment, so professional. We talked afterward about his family and the child they are bringing in, and ya Your Mechanic you should be advertising more! And yes I'll be recommending Nick to all my friends in Park Hill.

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