AC override? Seems possible.

In the current harsh climate of S. Nevada we depend on the AC in our cars and, if you own a 4 cyl. car, you are aware that the decrease of power can be, well, wilting. This week we have had record breaking heat of 115+ (in the shade). One thing I noticed is that the PT seems to have the get-up-and-go under pressure, but the AC seems to shut off for brief moments upon acceleration. Is this possible? Being in a an extreme environment this is something new I have not come across. Possibly an override in the computer? Any clues?

[img="http://users.lvcm.com/astridw/ptwagin.jpg"]

[spacecoast]

All AC units have a low manifold presure (vacuum) shutoff switch. The switch shuts off the current to the AC clutch until the manifold pressure is normal.

This also happens anytime the gas is mashed to the floor

spacecoast

[Cal. PT]

I believe spacecoast is right. I mentioned a while back that the 1966 Pontiac 6 cylinder had a microswitch on the accelerator linkage that disconnected to A/C when the gas pedal was pushed to the floor. I was told then that the same thing occurs on the PT but wasn't sure how.

It's been up to 104 around here (Clear Lake, CA) and the A/C is doing a great job.

[MX-5]

I found an answer here:
http://www.ptdoityourself.net/pttechlib.html#acwa

Every car I've owned newer than 92 does this.

Well...when it comes to mashing the pedal to the floor, I am guilty. Thanks! I got my answer and some good info to boot.