ac coil

[mudbuggy]

How much juice does the ac coil take when it is operating? I watch my guage jump from 14 to 12 when I turned on the ac for the ride to pull a part, just made me wonder if anyone else has noticed that. It is a compressor works new ac compressor that was installed not even a month ago. 89 gmc v1500 suburban with dual batteries (1000 cca) gas 350 I think I have the 105 amp alternator

 

[Fordum]

Coil shouldn't pull all that much. Maybe a couple of amps. I used to know, but its been so long...........
On most cars with Air, the fan motor is a much larger draw than folks realize.

If the air conditioning system was off, and you turned it on. then it probably caused several things to happen.
First, of course, the fan came on which put a good load on the system.
Then, in a lot of vehicles, an auxiliary electric fan on the radiator often comes on with the air conditioner.
Plus if its idling the idle speed may have dropped.

And it put more load on the drive belt, which might be slipping causing the alt to slow down if they share a belt.

 

[mudbuggy]

Damn I should have known that. The fan, I keep it on high. That's why

 

[Blue85]

Also, is there a solenoid to kick up the idle when the compressor is on? The RPM is probably dipping.

 

[mudbuggy]

Where is this solenoid located at? Might be why the truck dies when the ac is first turned on and is put in gear. Makes sense, just don't want to trace wires for an hour after being outside working all day. Thanks!!!

 

[wasted wages]

Damn I should have known that. The fan, I keep it on high. That's why