Strange Idle

[ttNATION]

Everytime I turn on the AC it clicks, not constantly. I was told it was mt IAC valve. Is there an alternative to just replacing it? It clicks in idle and on highway speeds. Its not a major problem its just annoying. On the highway it clicks while jerking your head a little. Its not very noticable but i can feel it.

[IH8SPM]

Please explan more. Your problem sounds odd and so does the diagnosis.

[ttNATION]

Originally Posted by IH8SPM

Please explan more. Your problem sounds odd and so does the diagnosis.

Sure, well it only happens when the AC is on. When the compressor kicks in it just clicks. I looked under the hood last night when this happened and the clicking noise is just coming from the timing belt area. Also it clicks when the electric fan kicks in also but still in the area of the belt. I checked the fan and there is nothing in there. The check engine light is on also. I just dont have any free time to get it diagnosed. When driving you can also feel when the clicking starts it is the feeling of moving foward and back in your seat, it isnt a major feeling but I can feel it.

[IH8SPM]

You may need to add some freon.

[ttNATION]

Originally Posted by IH8SPM

You may need to add some freon.

I just added some freon. There is no leak. Could it be the IAC valve. A mechanic told me this is causing the clicking noise. And is it pretty easy to replace. It seems to be in the rear of the engine.........tight spot.

[IH8SPM]

Originally Posted by ttNATION

Everytime I turn on the AC it clicks, not constantly. I was told it was mt IAC valve. Is there an alternative to just replacing it? It clicks in idle and on highway speeds. Its not a major problem its just annoying. On the highway it clicks while jerking your head a little. Its not very noticable but i can feel it.

I re-read your post. This sound is normal. This is the AC compressor cycling on and off as needed to provide freon to the system. If you are getting a jerking motion then it can be two problems TPS and or the IAC valve. Look both of them up here and you will know for sure.
PS Check your coolant level (when cold and engine not running)

[ttNATION]

Originally Posted by IH8SPM

I re-read your post. This sound is normal. This is the AC compressor cycling on and off as needed to provide freon to the system. If you are getting a jerking motion then it can be two problems TPS and or the IAC valve. Look both of them up here and you will know for sure.
PS Check your coolant level (when cold and engine not running)

The clicking noise is almost constant now, in idle and when driving.

[IH8SPM]

Does the noise go away if the AC is off?

[ttNATION]

Originally Posted by IH8SPM

Does the noise go away if the AC is off?

It sure does.

[IH8SPM]

I guess the problem is solved. You have a AC compressor that is proably normal or is not and the cause of the high click sound would be a bad clutch on the compressor. Take a look at the tension on the belts to make sure that they are not to tight. I still think this is normal unless you want to add more to the problem.

[ttNATION]

Originally Posted by IH8SPM

I guess the problem is solved. You have a AC compressor that is proably normal or is not and the cause of the high click sound would be a bad clutch on the compressor. Take a look at the tension on the belts to make sure that they are not to tight. I still think this is normal unless you want to add more to the problem.

Thanks for the info. would a malfuctioning ac clutch cause the engine light to come on? And dont worry about the IAC valve? Would this be an expensive repair to get the ac clutch fixed? Thanks again

[drcoffee]

You need to isolate the clicking sound better to know where it's coming from. Is it a mechanical click or an electronic click. Relays will click when activated. A failing relay can click. The AC clutch may have a bad electrical switch and is cycling the clutch on and off. get under the hood and have someone else turn the AC on and off to help you locate the source of the click.

Is the click sound quick or does it wait a few seconds between clicks? Is it a clank sound? Does the AC blow cold? It maybe a bad pressure sensor in the AC system. When it gets a low pressure signal it will shut of the compressor. It can be just about anything and we need more info to help. If it were the IAC you would have a stumbling idle, obviously rough. I doubt its your IAC. Is your throttle sticky at all? Carbon can build up around the throttle plate.