My "check engine" light came on and gave me the code P0403. My car is a 2004 Ford Taurus 3.0 liter engine. The cars rpms will bounce around at idle from 600 up to 800 every ten seconds. I hear a click around the engine when that happens. This also occurs when I am driving the Rpms will also bounce around. Any help would be greatly appreciated! TIA

 

When you head the click and the RPMs jump, is your A/C compressor engaging? Pop your hood and watch the compressor clutch. If it's engaging when you hear the click and RPMs jump up, then there's your culprit. My 2000 Taurus with the 3.0 DOHC engine did the same thing for the entire time we owned it (2000-2012).

Side note: The A/C is designed to automatically run any time Defrost, Floor, Defrost/Floor or Vent/Floor is selected.

 

Since you rec'd a code , it might be a good idea to check out the EGR system. If the clicking you hear is the EGR solenoid, there could be an addl problem.

 

Is there anything I could do for the A/C compressor because when it engages every 10 seconds and rpms jump 100-200 it makes for a poor ride.

 

sounds like the a/c system is short cycling...a condition caused by low refrigerant levels. A very small leak may be present.


the quick fix is to disable the a/c compressor by removing the a/c relay or disconnecting the a/c clutch connector. this way you can tell if the problem is a/c or egr related.


if you need the a/c to work. the system should be leak tested, repaired and charged to the proper capacity. when fully charged, the short cycling will stop.

 

Thanks for all the replies.