Nissan Pulsar NX 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

(11,655)

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

(11,655)

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 Nissan Pulsar NX 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
1987 Nissan Pulsar NXL4-1.6LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
1984 Nissan Pulsar NXL4-1.5L TurboService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1986 Nissan Pulsar NXL4-1.6LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1983 Nissan Pulsar NXL4-1.5L TurboService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
1985 Nissan Pulsar NXL4-1.6LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
1989 Nissan Pulsar NXL4-1.8LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1989 Nissan Pulsar NXL4-1.6LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1988 Nissan Pulsar NXL4-1.8LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Nissan Pulsar NX 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 Nissan mechanics

Real customer reviews from Nissan owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(11,655)

Rating Summary
10,921
389
83
56
206
10,921
389
83
56
206

Sean

17 years of experience
111 reviews
Sean
17 years of experience
Nissan Pulsar NX L4-1.6L - Car is not starting - Waldorf, Maryland
I had a recurring problem with my older car that was not starting after sitting for a few days. Sean is very knowledgeable and explained the issues very clearly He analyzed the "new" battery and found a dead cell. He gave me a quote of other maintenance things I would need in the future.

Brian

23 years of experience
696 reviews
Brian
23 years of experience
Nissan Xterra V6-4.0L - Car surges when air conditioning is on - Jacksonville, Florida
Brian was very helpful and had a very pleasant and professional demeanor. He made me very comfortable asking question and gave very clear ezplanations.

Steve

15 years of experience
150 reviews
Steve
15 years of experience
Nissan Sentra L4-1.8L - Oil Change - Bronx, New York
Had an awesome experience with Steve from the beginning. He went straight to the point and told me what was wrong with my car and what needed to be repaired and also even gave me a discount on the extra service that needed to be done!! Im very satisfied with the service that was given to me. Yourmechanic is awesome!!

Robert

20 years of experience
1126 reviews
Robert
20 years of experience
Nissan Rogue L4-2.5L - Axle / CV Shaft Assembly Replacement (Passenger Side Front) - Denver, Colorado
Robert has a great attitude and very knowledgeable about cars

Excellent Rating

(11,655)

Rating Summary
10,921
389
83
56
206
10,921
389
83
56
206
Number of Nissan services completed
128205+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Nissan MECHANICS
1500+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

P0208 OBD-II Trouble Code: Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 8
P0208 P0208 code definition Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 8 What the P0208 code means P0208 is set when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects voltage or resistance that is out of range in the cylinder 8 fuel injector circuit....
Insurance Requirements for Car Registration in Indiana
In In order to drive a vehicle legally in the state of Indiana, you are required to renew your vehicle registration every year at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In order to do so, you must provide proof that you...
P0787 OBD-II Trouble Code: Shift/Timing Solenoid Low
P0787 means there is a problem with the shift/timing solenoid which may cause the transmission to not shift out of gear or have harsh shifting.

Car not shifting gears

Sounds like it may be time for a new transmission. If it is a manual transmission there may be something wrong with the clutch. If it is an automatic transmission, I would have a mechanic from YourMechanic inspect your vehicle...

Engine light is on and car shakes

This may be related to a faulty throttle position sensor or potentially a dirty or failing mass air flow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement). The mass air flow sensor is a unit in the intake system that monitors air intake as it is...

Is this service free?

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