High idle with A/C on?

[Kikwear]

For as long as I can remember, when I turn the air conditioning on in my 97 Cobra, the idle raises up to around or just above 1000rpm. Turn it off and it lowers back down to the stock setting. It's really annoying. At slower speeds, I can feel the increased idle pulling the car down the road. It also makes for sometimes harsh shifting. Is this standard for all Fords? I've never had a car increase the idle before just for the air conditioning turning on. The air is very cold and works well. Thanks.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

It's common and natural, due to the car engaging an extra accessory pulley - it needs to raise the revs a bit to keep the car running the same. Ford has always had a "heavy" A/C drive as far as draining, but it's always really cold

 

[Kikwear]

That sucks.

 

[mustangkid05]

mine does it too

 

[four six]

My car dies when I run the A/C. Only when Im not moving though(stoplight)