So, over the past 2000 miles since I've bought my tC, one thing I've noticed is what feels like some "slippage" for lack of a better term when I'm using the air conditioning. You know that feeling when you're driving a manual in a lower gear and you quickly take your foot off the accelerator, and there's that jerky, somewhat abrupt feeling? It's kind of similar to that, except significantly less extreme. I really wish I could describe it better, but has anyone else with a 5sp noticed the same strange sensation? I almost wonder if maybe it's the belt responsible for powering the a/c, as this doesn't happen whatsoever when I'm not using it. Maybe it just needs to be tightened? Unfortunately, since it's hot as hell here in AZ I've got the a/c running about 99% of the time lately...

I'm going to mention it when I take the car in for it's first oil change in another 1k, but I wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar experience?

 

When you turn on the A/C the compressor adds more load on the engine which may result in a slight sensation of power loss that may manifest itself in that "jerky" feeling you experienced.

 

Yeah, the power loss is noticeable, but that's been pretty consistent with every vehicle I've ever owned. You could be right, but I have this nagging feeling that it's something a little more. What I really want to do is drive another 5sp and see if I notice the same thing, if I do then I can stop worrying about it, and if not then I can bring it up with the dealership. Thanks for the input though!

 

I think it may seem a bit more abrupt than your previous vehicles, due to the drive-by-wire throttle (any of your other cars have that?), which can be a bit "jerky" on it's own, imo. Regardless, it's normal and I believe you'd feel the same thing when comparing with another manual tC.

 

hey ill-legal.... i have a '06 5 spd if you want to try it out and see if it does the same thing let me know i'm kinda curious if mine does the same as yours... i haven't really noticed but i really haven't paid much attention my ac is usually off with the windows down... its hot but u just have to drive faster.. lol

 

I'd be interested...although I have no clue where Sahuarita is located. You ever go to any of the meet ups 'round here? I haven't been yet, but then again, I've only had my car for maybe 3 weeks...

 

i'm off on Mondays and Tuesdays and am willing to drive up to Phx anytime on those days...

 

Hey i have a 5 speed here in tempe, and i can 100% concur with what ur describing. It's just how the car handles with the ac on. Had mine through two summers now and its been the same both times.

 

Same here. I get a slight engine jolt whenever I turn on the A/C and notice a slight performance loss while it runs. This seems to be the norm, although it wasn't there during the first few thousand miles.

 

i try to avoid using the a/c at all, because it makes shifting through 1-2-3 jerky.
shifting into 4 is fine and 5th is fine

 

Yeah, the slight jolt and the performance dip I'd say are pretty common among any cars I've owned.

But the weird "slippage" feeling that occurs periodically only happens when the A/C is on, it's most noticeable when I'm driving at highway speeds. LittleZeke and coon9573 you guys notice that stuff too huh? Have you guys ever asked about it at the dealership? Just curious...

 

I think what you are describing is a common problem. My current 1997 Ford Ranger is kinda hesitant and jerky while using the air. Remember, the air conditioner will rob some performance from your engine. In my truck, I notice it to affect low range RPMs the most. If I shift around 4-5K I don't have the issues you speak of.

 

if u pay attention to your car at all you'll notice that ur RPMS drop off alot faster with the A/C on cuz the Belt has to drive the A/C as well as the normal functions . try rev matching better if u dont want the jerkyness. and yes its common amongst most cars. nothin to be worried about. give it more gas and feather the clutch more. i personally dont like driving with the A/C on either tho.

a lightened flywheel would probably do alot for reducing this jerk as it make rev matching much easier.

 

I think some of you might be slightly misunderstanding me...it's not a problem with shifting or anything like that. Sorry, I probably didn't do the best job explaining the circumstances when I notice it happening.

When I'm driving at a constant speed in 5th gear (for example), with the A/C on, it periodically feels like there is a slight slippage (again, for lack of a better way to explain it) every minute or so. It's not extremely drastic, and it's not even really jerky, but to me it's noticeable (probably not something a passenger would even really pick up on). When I turn the A/C off, it doesn't happen anymore.

 

Your probably just feeling the a/c kick on and off, i feel it to on the freeway sometimes, and it does have a slippage feel, but it's just the a/c kicking on and off, it's completley normal.