What causes the CR-V to shake when the AC is on but not when it's off?
2 Answers
CR-V shaking when the AC is on is generally caused by carbon buildup on the spark plugs, carbon buildup on the throttle body, or fan deformation/screw loosening. Below are detailed explanations of the reasons for car shaking when the AC is on: 1. Spark plug carbon buildup: After some time of vehicle use, spark plugs accumulate carbon deposits. If not cleaned promptly, this can reduce engine torque output, causing shaking when the AC is activated. Soak the spark plugs in white vinegar for 2-3 hours (4-5 hours for severe cases), then scrub with a stiff brush to remove carbon deposits. Clean with gasoline and air dry. 2. Throttle body carbon buildup: When the AC activates, the sudden increase in engine load requires greater throttle opening. Existing carbon deposits then cause throttle sticking or improper opening, restricting air intake and reducing engine power, ultimately manifesting as engine vibration. 3. Fan deformation or screw loosening: Check whether resonance occurs during fan operation after AC activation due to fan deformation, or whether vibrations are caused by loose fan mounting screws.
I just encountered a similar issue and found that the shaking in the CRV when the AC is on is mainly due to increased engine load. When the compressor starts, it consumes additional power, and if there's a problem with the idle control system, it becomes apparent—such as a dirty throttle body or aging spark plugs causing incomplete combustion, or even loose engine mounts failing to absorb vibrations. These components wear out over time, and the added load when the AC is turned on exacerbates the issue. Normal driving might be fine, but turning on the cold air makes the shaking severe. I suggest first checking if the idle speed is stable. If the RPM fluctuates up and down, it indicates a fault in the control module. It's best to have the circuit tested or the throttle body cleaned at a 4S shop. Also, check if the AC compressor belt is worn out—if it's cracked, replacing it with a new one only costs a few hundred bucks. Regularly cleaning the air filter during maintenance can also help avoid system blockages that worsen the shaking problem.