A/C Noise When Engine Cold?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 727
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From: Corona California
A/C Noise When Engine Cold?
This is weird, any diagnostic clues will be appreciated. I turned on the A/C right after ignition the other morning and got quite a scare (lingering) from a clattering noise from under the hood. The noise was cyclic and I popped the hood to look for something (road rubbish) that was maybe contacting a fan or belt - nothing I could see. The noise stopped immediately after turning the A/C off and being as everything else seems fine and no codes were being thrown I drove away and did a few chores. After some time (probably driving on and off for 30 minutes) I turned the A/C on and was pleasantly surprised that the earlier noise was not present, perhaps something that I did not see earlier had simply fallen out (the Gods of "fat chance" laugh aloud). The next day exactly the same noise presented itself with the A/C shortly after ignition and ceases after about 10-15 minutes of the engine running. Any suggestions as to the cause? I know there is no such thing as a stupid question but think this might be pretty close.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,631
Likes: 2
From: Clever, MO aka SOMO
Sounds like your a/c compressor is starting to go bad. I had a similar sound on one of my former cars when the thing was cold at start up. I just lived with it for several years before I sold the car.
I used a mechanics stethoscope to isolate where it was coming from. You can also check the belt and tensioners. The a/c creates more drag on the belt with the a/c comes on.
Good luck
I used a mechanics stethoscope to isolate where it was coming from. You can also check the belt and tensioners. The a/c creates more drag on the belt with the a/c comes on.
Good luck
