What Causes Increased Engine Noise When the Air Conditioning is Turned On?
2 Answers
The reasons for increased engine noise when the air conditioning is turned on are: 1. Dirty or stuck throttle valve; 2. Abnormal noise from the air conditioning pump; 3. Lack of lubricating oil; 4. Poor tension of the compressor drive belt; 5. Slippage of the electromagnetic clutch; 6. Increased wear gap in the electromagnetic clutch; 7. Increased load on the electromagnetic clutch. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines (reciprocating piston engines), external combustion engines (Stirling engines, steam engines, etc.), jet engines, electric motors, etc. For example, an internal combustion engine typically converts chemical energy into mechanical energy. The term engine can refer to both the power-generating device and the entire machine including the power unit.
When I turn on the air conditioning while driving, I hear a humming sound from the engine, mainly due to several reasons. The compressor requires extra effort from the engine when starting, just like you breathe harder when running with a backpack. The compressor itself generates noise during operation, and if the belt is loose or worn, the friction sound becomes more noticeable. The fan also starts spinning to cool the system. This is especially common in older vehicles, where belt wear or tensioner issues can amplify the noise. The engine automatically increases its RPM to provide additional power, resulting in more vibration sounds. I recommend regularly checking the belt's tightness and looking for cracks. A clogged air filter can also cause the fan to spin excessively. If you notice anything unusual, get it checked at a shop promptly to avoid compromising driving safety. Loud noises aren't just annoying—they might also mask other fault signals, so stay vigilant to prevent breakdowns.
