Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: AC causes engine reduction in performance and stalling
From:Don Hanson
Date:Fri, 29 Jun 2012 06:55:30 -0700

On Fri, Jun 29, 2012 at 6:31 AM, Gregg Carlen <gregg.carlen@gmail.com>wrote:

> So, I tried turning the van off and on again quickly. The symptoms you
> described below of things resuming normally and then messing up again soon
> after were exactly what I experienced. I checked the 3 wires coming from
> the new O2 sensor. The single wire had a little corrosion on it, so I
> cleaned that up and the AC semed to work fine for a few days, then returned
> to the same symptoms.
>
> Rechecked that connection again and cleaned it a little more (still in good
> shape), but didn't make a difference. Fore good measure, I cleaned the
> contacts of both ends of the trans-chasis ground strap (since it was on my
> to-do list anyway), but still no luck.
>
> I think it would be highly unlikely that I have a bad O2 sensor since it's
> new. What I could see that would be more likely is a leak int he exhaust
> pipes before the 02 sensor or I've gummed up the O2 sensor from running too
> lean at times. Thoughts? (as I dig out the Bentley to start chasing down
> the O2 circuit for bad conections or opens).
>
> Gregg
> 90 Westy (Blueberry) - in hot VA weather
>
>     Hi,
  Just because a part was recently bought and installed doesn't mean the
new part actually works.  It *should* but quality control isn't very good.
 I have encountered a few 'in-operative' parts right out of the box...
Also, the Temp II plug...those are finicky little things.   Those
connections can look and feel good but be faulty.
  I know nothing about AC but I think there's supposed to be a switch of
some sort that is triggered when the compressor kicks on to increase the
idle...check that?
  Don Hanson