I recently bought a protege and the last issue I've noticed so far is that the engine idles rough when I turn the AC on. I just noticed that when I do turn it on, there is a short to the engine.

 

To update, I kept searching and I think this means the ignition coil has gone bad

 

The boot cover has a crack or has some contamination providing a path for the high voltage spark. Take the coil out and carefully inspect it in that area. If you see any cracks, replace it. Looks like coils are fairly cheap.

 

Replace both coils, both HT leads and all 4 plugs.

 

I only replaced the shorting coil and the problem seems like its gone. i idled it with the ac blasting and it didnt sputter to near death anymore.

 

Bravo!!!

 

Due to the age of the vehicle, it won't be long before the other coil breaks down.

 

I don't disagree. If it took 2 hours just to get to them, then I would have done both, but changing it out only takes about 10mins so Ill replace it when it breaks down.