I have a 2000 4.3L V6 S10 pickup. The AC is cold and does work, however, when I turn the AC on, the truck struggles to get to even 30 mph and guzzles gas like you wouldn't believe. Even if I wait until I get moving like on the freeway and then turn it on, you can just feel the truck suddenly struggling. The second I turn the AC off, the truck runs just fine. Is this an AC problem or an engine problem or what? Any ideas/help would be greatly appreciated.

 

How much does it struggle? Do you have a tach. on yours? If so how many rpms does it drop?

I have a 2001 Sonoma with the V-6 and you feel my compressor kick on.

 

It probably drops about 1,000 rpms. It just feels like something is really overworking itself so then I freak out and turn it off and the rpms instantly go back up and then the truck can move. It runs great until I turn that AC on for some reason.

 

Wow yea it shouldn't drop that bad.

When the compressor does kick on does it make any bad noises that doesn't sound normal?

 

No, I haven't noticed any noises. That is why I find this so odd...

 

Have you had the truck since it was new? My guess it that your a/c system has too much pressure in it. I would get that checked, other wise I would bet the bearings in the compressor is bad. It would be making alot of noise. I know you can get gauges at parts stores to check the pressure if you want to do it yourself