AboutDavid Scott Expertise Questions regarding the advisability of different kinds of modifications to Samurai/Sidekick/Tracker or various kinds of off-road usage. I will not attempt to do more than provide links for questions about other Suzukis such as Vitara, Grand Vitara, etc. I may or may not give generalized advice for newer models, but have no experience regarding newer models, and will not attempt to give more than the most generalized answers for questions regarding vehicles later than '95 manufacture. I will however provide a link that will help you contact a professional in your region.
Experience I've been a professional mechanic for over thirty five years, live in the center of the Rocky Mountains, and have been active in exploring the old mining/4wd roads for decades. I've specific experience with Samurai modification, because that's my personal vehicle.
Education/Credentials Thirty five years of advanced, intensive classes for experienced professionals only. Manufacturer seminars and training classes averaging four to six weeks per year. I'm now a professional heavy duty fleet mechanic, and no longer deal with issues such as MIL (check engine) lights
Expert: David Scott Date: 7/5/2008 Subject: Car A/c and battery problem
Question I have a Maruti zen LX 2000 Model.My car's slows down and pick up dries up when I on A/C and the the battery discharges very fast.
Could you please tell me how A/C draws its electric power and is it works through battery and why pick up slowa down when I put on A/C.
Answer Sorry, I have no idea what a Maruti is. I live in the mountains of Colorado in the U.S., and am not at all familiar with any of the Suzuki vehicles past 1995 in the world market. The only Suzukis I know well are the U.S. Samurai and the Sidekick, and the twin to it, the Geo Tracker.
Generally, on most cars, the alternator output goes to the fuse block, and then to the battery. from your description, it sounds like either a loose alternator drive belt, or a defective alternator. Don't forget to check the connections at the battery. If they're fuzzy with white or bluish deposits, clean them with either a commercial battery cleaner, or baking soda in hot water. I'm not at all certain what the a/c issue is. Most smaller cars don't have much excess power, and sometimes when the a/c is on, it's necessary to shift to a lower gear or turn the a/c off to get significant acceleration.
scotty
