This happens most often when the car is stopped. The AC cycles on and off and when it kicks on, it places a huge load on the engine, sometimes stalling it. I'm used to a little drag when the AC is working, but this is much more. Also between kicking on and off, there's an obvious hissing coming from the dash, which is not vacuum. Sometimes the compressor is very loud and makes a siren type sound that changes with RPM. The fill side by the coolant reservoir measured over 100psi. This doesn't seem like a problem caused by a leak. Any ideas?


2002 Cavalier 2200 5spd

SOLVED

Bad fan relay. I noticed this after idling a while, the temperature shot up and the check gauges light went on. Replaced the relay and now temperatures are stable and the A/C works fine. A/C pressure is down to 36psi and doesn't stall the engine anymore.


2002 Cavalier 2200 5spd