air conditioner killing engine

[Bain]

Well like the subject says when I turn my air conditioner on it lags the engine down so much half the time it dies when I take it out of gear. This is on a 92 3000gt base. Surely some of you have experienced this before it seems like it ought to be an easy problem but my mind isn't working so good lately so i'm asking for help. Thanks

[beef_bourito]

well, your ac does put more load on your engine when you turn it on but it shouldn't do that so there's either something wrong with the engine or your ac. if nobody gives you advice, take it to a mechanic or replace the ac if you want to do it yourself.

sorry, that's the only help i can give, i don't know much about a/c's, good luck.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by beef_bourito

well, your ac does put more load on your engine when you turn it on .

The above statement is correct. Often for smaller displacement engines there is either a throttle kicker solinoid that cracks the throttle open just a bit when you switch the ac on or the idle air control valve will compensate for the extra load and increase the air going into the engine at idle.
Either way, you engine is supposed to compensate for the extra load. Chances are its an engine control issue and there is nothing wrong with your ac (providing the compressor is not making unusual noises)