Anyone know?

[Origommi]

Forgive me for asking such a newb question, but here goes. I have a 96 GT and when the car is running the pully on the left front bottom will spin for a few seconds then stop. It will keep doing this while the engine is running. I assume it has something to do with the heater bacause it will only do it while the heater is running. Any thoughts?

 

[FallenPhoenix]

Forgive me for asking such a newb question, but here goes. I have a 96 GT and when the car is running the pully on the left front bottom will spin for a few seconds then stop. It will keep doing this while the engine is running. I assume it has something to do with the heater bacause it will only do it while the heater is running. Any thoughts?

I'm not familiar with that year but I'd be willing to bet money it's the AC compressor

 

[Origommi]

Does the AC compresser work when the heater is on?

 

[ACSPONY]

I think they're the same system so that would make sense?
*bump*

 

[Venom_Nitrous]

Yep, it's the AC compressor. It will cycle on and of when the defrost is on to remove excess moisture. It is not broken. There is a clutch in the pulley that will make it engage or disengage.

 

[Origommi]

OK so I guess the question is... with the heater running should the pully start and stop every few seconds?

 

[FallenPhoenix]

OK so I guess the question is... with the heater running should the pully start and stop every few seconds?

if the AC or defrost is on yes, if you've just got the blower running then no

 

[Origommi]

OK, just looked at it again. With the heater on the car idles high then drops low fluctuating up and down. When I look under the hood the pully runs for a few seconds then stops. It runs pretty rough when it is doing this. I thought only the AC made the engine act that way.

 

[bdcardinal]

ya thats completely normal. the computer cycles the clutch on and off. if it didnt to that then your heater/AC wouldnt work.

 

[Mustang5L5]

If you have the DEFROSTER on the A/C system will cycle also.

It's to dry out the air and take out any humidity.

So yes, it does do that if the switch is in MAX A/C, A/C, DEFROST or DEFROST/FLOOR