Ram 1500 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 Ram 1500 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
2016 Ram 1500V6-3.6LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2020 Ram 1500V6-3.6L HybridService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2020 Ram 1500V6-3.0L Turbo DieselService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2015 Ram 1500V6-3.6LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2017 Ram 1500V6-3.0L Turbo DieselService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2012 Ram 1500V8-4.7LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2021 Ram 1500V8-6.2L TurboService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
2015 Ram 1500V6-3.0L Turbo DieselService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Ram 1500 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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Shaun

10 years of experience
542 reviews
Shaun
10 years of experience
Ram 1500 V8-5.7L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Peoria, Arizona
Very helpful, knowledgeable and quick.

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27 years of experience
1033 reviews
John
27 years of experience
Ram 1500 V8-5.7L - Brake Caliper Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Manvel, Texas
John was quick and I had no problems would definitely recommend him for future jobs

Martin

23 years of experience
68 reviews
Martin
23 years of experience
Ram 1500 V8-4.7L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Houston, Texas
Very professional..as well as very personable. Great guy and did a great job.

Jequan

7 years of experience
86 reviews
Jequan
7 years of experience
Ram 1500 V8-5.7L - Spark Plugs - Raleigh, North Carolina
Jequan was extraordinary! First and foremost, it's easy to see that he knows what he's doing and is truly passionate about it. Usually I work on my truck myself but something like the VVT requires the intake to be pulled which is far more than I would feel comfortable attempting. Jequan inspected everything, confirmed that it was the VVT, and took care of everything in one afternoon. Not only did he fix my VVT issue, my "Hemi tick" is now gone, the truck reaches normal operating temp, and with breaks all around im safe to travel with my 5 month old twins this weekend. Jequan did such a great job, this was such a painless process, and the costs were so much better than any garage /dealership would charge, that I'm 100% sure he will be my go to any time any issues come up. 10/10 - I highly recommend Jequan. 10/10 - I highly recommend YourMechanic.

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