What causes the CRV to shake when idling with the AC on?

[OscarMarie]

The reasons for the CRV shaking when idling with the AC on are: 1. Leakage in the intake manifold or various valves; 2. Excessive carbon buildup in the throttle and intake passages; 3. Malfunction of the idle air actuator; 4. Inaccurate intake air measurement. It is recommended that the owner promptly conduct a repair to avoid affecting vehicle usage. The CRV is a compact SUV launched by Honda, with body dimensions of 4585mm in length, 1855mm in width, and 1679mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2660mm. In terms of power, the CRV is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 142 kW and a maximum torque of 243 Nm.

[StGia]

When the CRV idles with the AC on, it shakes. I've encountered many similar situations. When idling with the AC on, the engine has to bear the additional load of the compressor, which can cause unstable RPM. Common causes include severe carbon buildup in the idle control valve, preventing timely RPM adjustment; aging spark plugs or faulty ignition coils affecting smooth combustion; the AC compressor itself being stuck or having clutch issues, increasing engine load; or aging engine mounts, allowing vibrations to transmit into the cabin and worsen the shaking. During inspection, you can first use the onboard computer to check if the idle RPM fluctuates too much, then troubleshoot step by step. When I dealt with it myself, I started with simple fixes, such as cleaning the throttle body and fuel injectors, which are cost-effective and yield good results. Long-term neglect of this issue may lead to increased fuel consumption or even damage other components, so it's advisable to seek professional diagnosis early. Developing a habit of regular maintenance for the engine and AC system is key for daily driving.

[Elena]

My CRV used to shake badly when idling with the AC on, and I thought a new car wouldn't have issues. Later, I found that when the compressor was turned on, the engine speed became unstable. It turned out that the spark plugs hadn't been replaced for over six years, and aging caused uneven ignition. After cleaning the throttle body, the shaking reduced but didn't disappear. Eventually, it was the idle motor that was stuck, and replacing it solved the problem. This incident reminded me not to underestimate minor issues. I recommend car owners check basic components first, such as spark plugs and the ignition system, as they are inexpensive. The AC system itself should also be inspected, like insufficient refrigerant or abnormal compressor noise. Idle shaking is not only annoying but can also cause the engine to stall when parked, increasing safety risks. Now, I check the engine bay monthly and regularly replace the air filter and clean carbon deposits—prevention is always cheaper than repairs.

[MacIan]

CRV idling with AC on causes shaking, mainly due to increased engine load. The compressor requires more torque to start, and if the idle control system responds slowly, the RPM will fluctuate. I've analyzed several cases, commonly caused by a dirty or stuck idle motor failing to stabilize RPM; aging ignition components like spark plugs or coils leading to incomplete combustion; faulty AC compressor increasing resistance; or failed engine mount cushions failing to isolate vibrations. A simple method is to monitor idle RPM using an OBD scanner. If fluctuations exceed 50rpm, inspection is needed. Regular maintenance can prevent issues, such as cleaning the throttle body to ensure smooth airflow.

[DiMadison]

Experiencing shaking when idling with the AC on in a CRV is not only annoying but also dangerous, especially in traffic jams where severe shaking can affect concentration. I've found that the most common cause is severe carbon buildup in the idle speed control valve, which usually resolves after cleaning; old spark plugs causing unstable combustion can also worsen the issue; if the AC compressor is aging or there's an imbalance in the system pressure, the extra load becomes too much; lastly, loose engine mounts can be a culprit. It's recommended to start with a quick check, like opening the hood while stationary to listen for unusual noises, or trying to turn off the AC to see if the shaking stops. Long-term shaking accelerates part wear, so fixing it early saves hassle and money. Also, consider changing driving habits—avoid idling with the AC on for too long to save fuel and protect the car.