[Guest]

On the 2000 Cougar V6.

Has anyone noticed a sensation of un-smooth acceleration while the A/C is on?

This would be most noticeable while upshifting during acceleration on the manual transmission?

 

[katnyp]

When the a/c is on, the compressor periodically turns on and off as needed to keep the air cool. When the compressor is on, is sucks a bit of horsepower. So it's normal to feel 'on power' 'off power' every 5 to 10 seconds. Annoying, but normal. I personally try to stick with open windows as long as I can

 

[Guest]

Wayne is right. It's a grossly inefficient compressor and the power it use is not linear to engine speed. I, too, keep the windows downs as long as I can. Plus I get to hear the SVT exhaust.