2012 Ford Explorer idle problem when AC/heater turned on

[George Lugo]

I have a 2012 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD and it has just over 111,000 miles. At 100k I did a tune up, transmission service and a water pump (not by choice).
Ever since it was new the car would throw a low idle when I turn on the AC at first. It will get really low 300rpm then jump up to 600 rpm and go back and forth until it's stable. Now it's doing the same thing when the heat is turned on and sometimes it will do it at a complete stop.
I changed the battery 3 years ago and I tested it the other day with a volt meter and it came up normal.
However when I turn on the heat (due to winter here in NY) the voltage drops then comes back up to normal, then drops again.
Does anyone have this issue? I saw some videos online with young Explorer's with this same issue. Has anyone had this fixed?
Looking forward to hear from someone.

 

[dkean]

I came across this . Don't know if it applies to your problem but check it out
Ford Explorer Questions - when car idles the rpms pulse like someone is pumping the gas - CarGurus

 

[peterk9]

I have a 2012 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD and it has just over 111,000 miles. At 100k I did a tune up, transmission service and a water pump (not by choice).
Ever since it was new the car would throw a low idle when I turn on the AC at first. It will get really low 300rpm then jump up to 600 rpm and go back and forth until it's stable. Now it's doing the same thing when the heat is turned on and sometimes it will do it at a complete stop.
I changed the battery 3 years ago and I tested it the other day with a volt meter and it came up normal.
However when I turn on the heat (due to winter here in NY) the voltage drops then comes back up to normal, then drops again.
Does anyone have this issue? I saw some videos online with young Explorer's with this same issue. Has anyone had this fixed?
Looking forward to hear from someone.

Welcome to the Forum George.
Have you ever had the alternator tested? On my Explorer the change in RPM when turning the A/C on makes no perceptible change in RPM. Others have reported the same. I don't think my 2011 Limited did either.
Please complete your registration by adding the 'Required' "Trim Level" (XLT) to your profile so it appears in the margin. That can be useful info to have at times. Thank you.

Peter

 

[George Lugo]

I will have it checked
I used a odometer and it dropped when the climate control fan is turned on. It will drop from 14.4+/- down to 13 volts and it will work it's way back up.

 

[George Lugo]

Hello everyone,
I want to thank you for all the information posted. It turned out to be my battery was putting out extremely low CCA. After I changed it my RPM does not drop when I put on the heat/AC
Hope this helps